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 Copyright © 2024 by Ivy Penn

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical
methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and
products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover: Nerd Sisters
Formatting: Designs by Del
Contents

Blurb
Dedication
Playlist
1. Chapter One
2. Chapter Two
3. Chapter Three
4. Chapter Four
5. Chapter Five
6. Chapter Six
7. Chapter Seven
8. Chapter Eight
9. Chapter Nine
10. Chapter Ten
11. Chapter Eleven
12. Chapter Twelve
13. Chapter Thirteen
14. Chapter Fourteen
15. Chapter Fifteen
16. Chapter Sixteen
17. Chapter Seventeen
18. Chapter Eighteen
19. Chapter Nineteen
20. Chapter Twenty
21. Chapter Twenty-One
22. Chapter Twenty-Two
23. Chapter Twenty-Three
24. Chapter Twenty-Four
25. Chapter Twenty-Five
26. Chapter Twenty-Six
27. Chapter Twenty-Seven
28. Chapter Twenty-Eight
29. Chapter Twenty-Nine
30. Chapter Thirty
31. Chapter Thirty-One
32. Chapter Thirty-Two
33. Chapter Thirty-Three
34. Epilogue
35. Chapter 34
36. Excerpt from Shattered Dreams
Who is Ivy?
Connect with Ivy
Also by Ivy Penn
Miranda
I thought Henry Walsh wasn’t like the other rich upper classmen. He had a heart, was kind and made my heartbeat faster.
Then Victoria happened. He was hers; I was trash, and she made my life hell.
One crazy evening after school changed the course of our lives, and he crushed me. He chose her over me and showed me he
was just like all of his friends.
Jerk.
Henry
Miranda Walker reminded me of a doll. She was quiet and kind and the opposite of my unwanted girlfriend, Victoria. My
plans were to break up with Victoria, go to school, and live my life on my terms.
Life threw me a curveball, making me a dad. Then a car accident made me a widowed dad. Women were the farthest thing
from my mind until I saw the beautiful redhead herding geese out of my backyard.
My beautiful doll was all grown up, and fate brought her back into my life.
This book has a special dedication to my friend Monica.
Thank you for being one of my first new friends when we arrived in this fabulous little place. You make me laugh and have
been a constant support for me on this journey. There’s no words to truly tell you what you mean to me. All I can say is Thank
You for being so incredibly you.
Thank you to my fabulous Alpha Team: Elite Hedera Helix. Your encouragement, support, and feedback keeps me going!
Love ya!
Ivy
Henry
Eighth grade
The chatter from the cafeteria flooded out into the hall where we were in line. We got out of class late because Victoria
couldn’t wrap her one brain cell around the teacher assigning us a team project.
“Dude. What is it with Victoria?” Ethan kicked the carpet covered bench between us and the wall.
Wally shrugged. “She’s a pain in the ass.”
“Mr. Barron, language.” Our English teacher glared at us from the outside of the line.
“Miss Minks. You can’t tell me I’m wrong.” Wally flashed her a smile, and she sighed, shaking her head with a tiny smile on
her lips.
I looked around the hall where they had us line up. Art decorated the walls along with awards.
Excellence in education, my ass. I couldn’t wait to be out of here.
My friends were talking about football as we neared the cashier. The lady sitting there looked like we kicked her dog every
day. Gray hair, short in the grandma style, pruned up wrinkled face, and she sounded like she’d smoked since she was a kid.
I handed her a fifty and watched her roll her eyes. “Is it necessary to bring in such a large bill every day?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I smiled. “It’s what my dad gave me.”
“Pfft.” she snarled as she made change, handing it to me and then accepting money from Dexter.
We walked through the line, taking a tray filled with questionable food and entering the main cafeteria.
Pete lifted his tray, pointing to a small blond sitting alone in the cafeteria. “What’s the deal with the sixth grader in our
algebra class?”
Wally laughed. “Worried she’s smarter than you?”
I shrugged. “Who cares?”
“Really, Pete?” Ethan shook his head. “She hangs around Henry’s cousin.”
“You know you don’t have to keep pointing out that Vivian is my cousin.” I set my tray down on the table where we’ve
always sat.
“Dude.” Pete picked up his burger. “Rumor is she’s smarter than all of us put together.”
Dexter threw a fry at him. “And?”
I’d seen her around, and she never spoke. Even when I’d come across her on the trails, she sat alone with a book.
She reminded me of an old doll I saw at an antique store called Holly Hobbie. Her dark blond hair almost looked brown in
the dim lighting of the lunchroom.
I watched as Vivi walked over to her table and sat down. Holly Hobbie looked up, then looked back at her lunch.
My friends’ voices thundered in the large room, mixed with laughter and groans. We were the cool guys. The group the loser
kids wanted to be like or be a part of.
“Henry, I’ll give you ten bucks to tell her a your mama joke.” Dexter smiled.
Wally blew milk out of his nose, laughing, and I shook my head as I shrugged. “Yeah. Why not?”
I didn’t need the money. Having more money than god was all my mother ever bragged about. However, this would be my
money. Not from my parents.
We cleaned up and took our trays to the brick wall where the return station was.
Port Stella Pirates. Argh.
Were all schools the same? Brick walls lined with metal lockers? While playing football, we rarely went through other
schools. But every locker room mimicked the other. They all stank, too.
“Let’s go, Henry!” Dexter hollered at me as they headed towards the doors to go outside for fresh air.
As I walked past the table with Vivian and Holly Hobbie, she looked up and our eyes locked. I felt a small smile on my face.
Her eyes looked like the sky when a storm rolled in.
“What are you looking at?” She sneered.
Blowing out a hard breath, I walked past her and dumped the contents of my tray into the trash, then tossed the tray on top of
the others and walked out.
What a brat! Maybe that was why she was always alone.
I joined my friends outside and tossed around a football until the bell rang. Heading back inside, we walked to our lockers,
grabbed our backpacks, and headed to Algebra.
The blond entered the room before us and I stopped in front of her desk, flashing her my best smile.
“Hey, your mama’s so ugly when she went to a haunted house, she came out with a job application.”
My friends howled with laughter as she looked up and spoke in a flat voice. “My mom’s dead.”
Her words left me dumbfounded as an awkward silence blanketed the classroom.
“Mr. Walsh, I suggest you get in your seat before the bell rings.” Mrs. Gold’s voice filled the void.
“Yes, ma’am.” I walked over to my desk and flopped into the chair as the bell rang.
Mrs. Gold launched into attendance and then walked to the board, putting up a problem for us to review and solve. My
pencil moved on the paper but I couldn’t stop thinking about blondie.
Tapping Victoria’s shoulder, I leaned over my desk to whisper. “What do you know about her?”
She turned her head, confusion all over her face. “Who?”
I thumbed to the blond.
Victoria’s eyes rolled. “She smells like a barn animal.” She whispered back. “Why?”
“Mr. Walsh and Miss Parks, care to share with the class?” Mrs. Gold’s eyes were hard. “Or perhaps you’d like to teach?”
“No, ma’am.” I sat back.
“Thanks to Mr. Walsh and his rudeness, you will have homework today.”
The class lobbed pencils and paper balls at me, groaning, before we all focused on the lesson again.
Well, maybe they did. My thoughts were elsewhere.
Did she have a stepmom? I didn’t think she smelled like a barn animal when I walked past her. Maybe she lived with her
grandparents?
The only grandparents I had were my dad’s parents, and they both passed away when I was in kindergarten. I never got to
know them, but I remembered hearing my grandpa telling my dad they stayed away because of my mom.
My mom was a huge bitch. She was greedy, selfish, and manipulative.
I hated it. I hated her.
Wally and Dexter’s moms were completely opposite, and when I needed a mom, that’s who I turned to.
“You can go on your merry way, Margie. I’m not stopping you.”
“Fine. Agree to pay alimony and child support and I’ll leave.”
Dad barked out a laugh. “The boy stays with me, and I’m not giving you a dime.”
“A boy should be with his mother.” She hissed.
“You only want the money I’d pay in child support.”
“Well, as his mother, I’d need to clothe and feed him.”
“Uh-huh.” My dad shook his head. “You’re no better than your sister. All you see are dollar signs.”
Mom’s hand flew out and slapped Dad. “Don’t you dare compare me to Judy.”
“Truth hurts, sweetheart.” He laughed. “You can leave. The boy stays with me.”
“Fine. We can do shared custody.”
“He is not a pawn to be brokered over.” Dad’s glass slammed on the desk. “He stays with me. Period.”
“No court is going to take a child from their mother.”
My dad changed the pitch of his voice, mocking her. “I’m tired of this life, Thomas. I want the life we had before that
brat came along. Where I could go out and enjoy my time with my friends.”
“You, asshole.”
Dad laughed. “That’s right. I’m the dick in this marriage.”
“What is so wrong about wanting time for myself?”
“Nothing if you’re single with zero responsibilities.”
“You said you wanted a child. I gave you one.”
“Is he even mine?”
A resounding echo told me she slapped him again. “How dare you?”
“How dare I, Margaret? You slept with my business partner.”
“And now you own the whole firm. I did you a favor.”
“And you want to divorce me and give you half of everything I worked for and built? No. I’ll see you in hell first.”
“Well, goodie for me. Being married to you and having that brat, I’m already there.”
 My mother stormed out past me into the hall, leaving me standing there in shock.
The bell rang, and I realized I spent the entire class lost in my thoughts.
Pete punched my shoulder on his way past me. “Thanks, dick.”
“My pleasure.” I growled. “Hey, Dex! Gimme my money.”

Miranda
Sometimes being smart sucked. Like being advanced in math and ending up in a class of eighth graders.
Henry, Ethan, Dexter, and Wally were the biggest jerks in school. And with them came their entourage, the bitch brigade. And
Victoria Bryant was the biggest bitch of all.
Her and her friends loved to torment me and my friends.
The last bell rang and I couldn’t wait to get to my locker and out of this building. My friend Tara fell in step beside me.
“You look pissed.” She bumped into me playfully.
“Stupid rich boy trying to be funny.”
“Um.” She cringed. “That rich boy?”
I looked up to see Henry Walsh standing against my locker, with a smirk on his face.
“God hates me.” My eyes rolled back as I walked closer. “Move.”
“Aww, where’s your manners, Holly Hobbie?” He mocked and leaned closer to me. “How about a please?”
I wanted to punch him in his smug face, but I didn’t want to get suspended. Counting to ten in my head, I tapped my toes on
the floor impatiently.
He tapped his ear. “I’m not hearing anything.”
“Get bent.” I shoved him away from my locker, not expecting him to grab my arms.
“Damn, girl.” He pulled me close. “I just wanted to apologize.”
I struggled against him, and he spun us around pressing me against the lockers.
“You’re off to a rip-snortin’ start.” I braced my hands against his chest. “Get off me.”
His hot breath warmed my ear. “I’m really trying to apologize.”
Hoots and hollers from his friends and other students added fuel to my already burning fire. The tighter he held me, the more
I struggled.
“I didn’t know about your mom.” He held me tight, keeping his words low.
“Get. Off. Me.” I growled.
“You smell like spicy cotton candy.” I felt him nuzzle my neck. “I’ve never smelled anything like it before.”
That comment caught me off guard, and I stopped fighting. “What?”
“You smell sweet.” His nose brushed against my skin. “And spicy.”
“Uh. Thanks?” Confusion flooded through me and I felt my stomach fill with butterflies.
His dark eyes flashed with guilt. “I’m Henry.”
“Yeah. I know who you are.” I rolled my eyes. “What I don’t know is why you know who Holly Hobbie is.”
He shook his head as he lifted a shoulder to shrug. “Look, I am sorry. My joke was in poor taste.”
“Can I get into my locker now? I have a bus to catch.” I didn’t like the way I was feeling. He seemed genuinely sorry.
“Miranda! Let’s go!” Tara yelled out, running back over. “We can’t miss the bus.”
Henry ran a hand through his dark hair and stepped back, letting me open my locker. I grabbed the book I needed, closed it,
and walked away, turning back to look at him as he disappeared.
Just as well. I don’t have time for stupid boys.
Tara and I walked to our bus, stepped inside the cramped space, and took our seats four rows back.
“He’s kinda cute.” Tara smiled at me. “Tall. Dark wavy hair. Pretty cinnamon eyes.”
“You’re delusional.” I huffed. “He’ll also be out of this school next year.” I pressed my head against the hard seat.
“Wanna hang out after school?” She rested her head on my shoulder.
“Not today. I’ve got too much homework.” I frowned. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“Sounds good.” She smiled. “Maybe Henry likes you?”
I barked out a laugh. “Yeah, and maybe pigs will fly!”
As the school bus moved along, I looked out the window and tried to push thoughts of Henry Walsh from my mind.
He was cute, but unfortunately, boys like him are nothing but trouble. At least that’s what my grandpa said.
Our bus driver, Paula, pulled up at my stop, and I stood up and walked towards the door. “See ya tomorrow.” I waved at
Tara and bounced down the stairs.
Stanley greeted me at the gate. “Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!”
 I laughed as I walked down the driveway toward the screaming goat. “I hear you, Stanley.”
“Maaaaaaaaaaah.”
“You too, Sophie.”
We ended up with the goats because some guy that works with Grandpa said he was planning to shoot them for yelling.
Grandpa decided he couldn’t let that happen, so he brought them home.
Sophie produces milk, and Gran learned to make goat cheese and taught me how as well.
I love the smelly beasts! They’re gentle and fun.
Letting myself in through the gate, I jogged, letting the goats chase me up to the house. The moment I opened the door, all
three dogs bounded out, running into the yard.
Larry, Moe, and Curly were mutts through and through.
While they did their thing. I went inside to drop off my backpack and put my hair up. My lip lifted in a snarl as I stared at
myself in the mirror.
Gran said I looked like a carbon copy of my mom. Which, on one hand, was wild, and the other was weird.
I wonder if she resents me sometimes because I look like her dead daughter.
Heaving a sigh, I went to the kitchen and grabbed an apple to snack on while I cut up a few more apples to share with my
four-legged friends.
The moment I walked outside, they lined up for their tasty treats. The dogs did a couple of tricks to get theirs and the goats
snatched some from me and ran.
I got the goats into our blue barn and gave them each a couple more apple slices. Once I knew they had settled, I closed the
heavy door and went to round up the dogs.
They knew the drill as I cut out a sharp whistle and followed me inside. Some of the small kittens tried to attack my feet as I
walked and I picked them up, snuggling three in my arms. Once we got to the back door, I let the boys in, set the babies down,
and went inside to make their dinner.
One scoop of powdered milk sprinkled over their kibbles. Then I turned on the hot water, waiting for it to get warm. I could
hear the clowder of cats mewing for their food, making me move faster.
Grabbing my phone, I tucked it in my back pocket and went outside, setting the jumbo-sized bowl down for everyone.
I did a quick scan to make sure the dogs had food and water, then hopped on my bike and headed towards the trails.
Miranda
The breeze on my face felt exhilarating, and I stood up pumping my pedals harder towards the small, wooded area that hid
the trails I loved exploring on.
I steered the front wheel, taking a left and feeling the change from pavement to dirt. The trail reminded me of a sidewinder
snake with all the curves and I knew after the fifth curve, I’d drop into a valley that would slingshot me up the other side.
Leaves and branches provided protection from the sun and created a magical canopy. Out here I felt free. No one else
mattered.
Sometimes I liked to pretend the ground and I had a connection. We understood each other. I needed to feel important. And
the ground needed me to help it feel needed.
I could ride these trails with my eyes closed!
The freedom I felt exhilarated me. I peddled harder, going up a small hill, and then squealed as I rode down the other side.
Every twist, turn and hill took me closer to the treehouse someone built near the creek. Inside that treehouse, nothing else
mattered.
I crested over a hill and felt my stomach drop. It reminded me of Henry invading my space.
With a shake of my head, I cast him from my thoughts.
Henry Walsh was part of the “in” crowd and there’s no reason to give him a second thought.
The path twisted towards the water and I slowed my bike to not fly down the last dip. The last thing I wanted to do was land
in the creek head first.
Like two years ago.
I pulled up to the huge tree, parked my bike at the base, and climbed the ladder up inside the house. The moment my head
entered the space, I saw him.
Henry Walsh sat against the wall, looking at me.
I couldn’t stop the snarl on my face as I retraced my steps to leave.
“Wait!” He poked his head out of the opening. “Miranda!”
“What!” I snapped and glared up at him.
“I came here to talk to you.”
“When did we become friends?” I jumped down to the ground. “Because I didn’t get that memo.”
“C’mon.” He looked down at me and flashed a smile that showed off a perfect dimple in his right cheek. “I’m not a bad guy.”
“That remains to be seen.” I blew my bangs off of my forehead and climbed back up into the treehouse. “Don’t make me
regret this.”
When I reached the top and climbed inside, he was sitting back against the wall again.
“What happened to your parents?” His soft voice punched me in the gut, especially since he was the second person to ask
me.
“That’s what you want to talk about?”
“Look. Sometimes I wish mine were dead.” He shook his head. “And when you said your mom was dead … I don’t know. It
made me feel weird.”
“They were hit by a drunk driver.” I looked at my lap and played with the hem of my shirt.
“Did you get along with them?” He pulled his legs up, folding them underneath his butt. “Were you with them?”
I shook my head and glanced up through my hair. “It was Christmas eve. They went to midnight mass, and I stayed at my
grandparent’s.”
“Oh, damn.” He ran his hand through his hair. “They went to church and then …”
“Yeah.” I looked up, nodding. “Makes ya wonder if there even is a god.”
 “I really am sorry.” He moved closer to me as I swiped at my face to clear the errant tears. “Maybe wishing my parents were
dead is a bit extreme.”
“You could turn yourself in at the fire station.” I shrugged and jumped when he barked out a laugh. “What?”
“I just wasn’t expecting something funny.” He moved close enough to brush a tear away from my cheek. “My dad drinks.”
Sniffling, I looked into his dark eyes and saw sadness in them. “Adults think they’re smart and know what they’re doing.”
“But they don’t.” His voice was barely a whisper. “I miss my dad.” He nodded. “I mean before the drinking.”
“What about your mom?” I reached out and brushed a tear from his cheek.
“She’s a class A bitch.” He frowned. “She makes my dad miserable.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I felt I owed you something since I hurt your feelings.”
“I guess we’re even then.” I sat back and smiled at him.
He thumbed to the opening behind me. “I should probably go.”
“Wait.” I put my hand on his shoulder, stunned when I felt an electric shock on my fingertips. “How did you know to find me
here?”
“Don’t sweat it, Holly Hobbie.” He moved around me and dropped down to the ground. “Later.”
I scrambled to the small window and the weirdest thought hit me as I watched him walk away.
You could’ve stayed.
I sat back and slammed my head against the wall as the tears poured from my eyes. “It’s not fair!” I slammed my head back
again. “It’s not fair when I need you!”
Pulling my legs up, I sobbed against my knees. All I wanted was my mom back. I missed my dad too, but my mom kept my
secrets and gave me advice.
I didn’t want some stupid joke, one of the cute popular jerks, said to me to hurt. And I didn’t want to wish he was still here,
so I didn’t feel so alone in the world.

Henry
Looking over my shoulder, I saw her watching me before she turned away. Then I heard a loud knock before I heard her
sobbing.
I had no idea what I could do to help, but I turned back and climbed up into the treehouse. Miranda was balled up, her body
shaking as she cried.
I’m an asshole.
She would give anything to have her parents back, and I would give anything to have my parents gone.
Okay. Not both parents. Just my mom.
I sat beside her and patted her back awkwardly. She leaned into me, and I moved my arm around her, holding her.
Her arms wrapped around me, and I pulled her into my lap.
I’d never seen someone cry like this. Not that I haven’t been around people crying before, but these weren’t little tears. Her
tears were big and pouring from her eyes.
Moving my mouth to her ear, I whispered, hoping she would hear me. “I’m sorry, Miranda.”
“Everyone is sorry.” She shuddered as she tried to breathe. “I snotted on you.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “It washes.” I brushed her hair from her mottled face, covered in tears and snot. She still looked
cute to me, and her freckles stood out more. “Holly Hobbie.”
A small smile graced her face. “Seriously? How do you know who she is?”
“I saw a doll at an antique store.”
Her lips curved upwards, smiling more. “My mom had an old sewing machine with her on it.” She sniffled as more tears fell
down her cheeks.
I used my knuckle to wipe some away, and she looked up with her big, blue eyes. Leaning in, she met me halfway as our lips
brushed against each other and my phone rang, making us jump apart.
She looked away as I pulled it from my pocket to answer it. “Hello?”
“Henry.” My mother’s voice chilled my ear. “You, young man, are supposed to be at home.”
“I’ll be there in a few.”
“Now, Henry.” She ended the call.
It doesn’t matter what I’m doing. It doesn’t matter to her where I am. All that matters to her is that I am a perfect person when
she has guests or decides she wants to show me off.
She makes me feel like a prized show pony.
 “I, uh, gotta get going.” I moved my eyes around the room, looking anywhere but at her. “You gonna be okay?”
“Yeah.” Her head bobbed, and she avoided looking at me. “I’m gonna head back home.”
“Um, okay.” I descended through the opening. “Later.”
She kissed me back.
I jumped down and ran towards where I left my bike hidden, leaning against a tree. Hopping on, I peddled towards home
wondering what mom had her panties in a bunch about now.
Usually no one noticed if I wasn’t home. As long as I showed up at the dinner table.
Maybe I should’ve invited her to come with? Is that what you do for someone who’s sad? I’ve never seen anyone cry like
that.
My wheels flew over the ground and the moment I felt the path beneath my bike changed, I felt the frown creep across my
face.
All I wanted was for my dad to stop drinking and my parents to stop fighting
But I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I followed the street around the curve, passing by Ethan’s place, which was a couple
of houses away from me.
Making it to my driveway, I turned and peddled towards the garage, parking my bike against the wall before heading inside.
Running in through the back door, I slammed it behind me in time to hear my parents fighting.
Again.
“Have another drink, Thomas.” My mother growled. “That’ll help things.”
I screeched to a halt and waited for my dad’s response.
“Of course it does.” He yelled back at her. “It makes living in hell with you easier.”
“I. Told. You. Give me the alimony I want and half of everything.” She motioned with her hand all around. “And I will more
than happily leave.”
My dad threw his head back, barking out a laugh. “And I’m telling you, again, that you’re not getting shit from me.” His glass
flew across the kitchen into the wall, shattering into tiny pieces.
“Dad?”
“Not now, Henry.” My mom snapped and pushed me back.
I slapped her arm away from me and went closer to my dad. “Dad?”
“Your mother is being unreasonable.” Dad dropped down in a chair. “I am sorry that you have to hear this.”
“Oh, Thomas, puh-lease don’t pull the pity card.” My mom’s heels clicked on the marble floor.
“Dad.” I dropped my voice low. “You need to stop drinking.”
“Don’t tell me what to do!” His voice thundered as he pounded his fist on the table. “You are a child!”
Running from the room, I ran through the house up to my room, slammed my door, locking it and then turned my radio on
loud.
Flopping down on my bed, I let the music thrum through my body and let the tears I held back go until I fell asleep.
Henry
The next day at school, I saw Miranda walking with Tara, their heads close together.
“What’re you staring at?” Ethan moved into my line of vision before leaning against the closed locker beside mine.
“Looks like he was watching the smart girl.” Richard chimed in.
Wally snorted. “You mean his Holly Hobbie?” he teased.
“So?” I shrugged and reached inside my locker for my English book.
“And the party just grew.” Richard nodded to the girls, where Vivian joined Tara and Miranda. “Viv says she’ll rip
someone’s balls off, but I bet Miranda is the type who would come at you without warning.”
Wally looked between the two girls and then back at us. “You think so?”
“Dude. She almost knocked Max out with a dodgeball.” Richard huffed in laughter. “I’m telling you. She’s the kind to sneak
into your house in the middle of the night and chop parts off.”
I closed my locker as we walked down to our homerooms. “I don’t think she would do that.”
“Suddenly you know her?” Ethan raised an eyebrow at me as we rounded the corner.
“Well, no.” I shook my head. “I’m just saying maybe she’s not like a full on bitch.”
“Hi, Henry.” Victoria appeared in front of me. “There’s a dance Friday.”
“And?” I gave her a headshake and a shrug,
“Will you go with me?”
“What do you want me to do? Pick you up on my bike?” The guys snickered.
“I was thinking that we could use the limo.” She batted her eyes, thinking it would sway me.
“Tell you what.” Ethan turned her to walk with us. “I’ll use my limo and we can all go together.”
“That sound fun.” She smiled and ran to tell her friends.
“Dude. She’s annoying.” Wally groaned.
“Doing it this way leaves lover boy here open for his sweetheart.” Ethan thumbed pointing to me. “Later, losers.”
We all split off into our respective classrooms, with Richard, Wally and I going into Miss Minks room.
“You guys wanna meet on the trails after school? We could hang out by the tire swing and rope.” He slid into his seat. “Dad’s
been on a bender, and I need a break.”
“Sounds good.” I nodded and took the seat behind him.
Maybe Miranda will be there?
I doodled in my notebook only half listening to what Miss Minks was saying. Thoughts of after school kept me going through
the day.
And between each class, I searched for Miranda. This wasn’t something new. All year I’d been watching for her.
“Are you stalking me?” Her soft voice came from behind me, making me jump.
“Shit!”
Miranda giggled and walked past me. “Don’t be a creeper.”
Shaking my head, I jogged after her. “Hey! You gonna be on the trails after school?”
She shrugged and kept walking. “Maybe.”
“Hi, Henry.” Victoria pushed between us and linked her arm with mine. “Are you excited for after school?”
“Uh, sure.” I watched as Miranda jogged ahead of us and darted into her classroom.
“Ugh.” Victoria made a funny face. “Why would you let that bitch walk next to you?”
I stopped and pulled my arm away. “Don’t call her that.”
She stomped her foot. “Don’t be stupid, Henry.”
Rolling my eyes, I slipped into my final class for the day. Dexter held out his elbow for some silly greeting we did on the
football team and I bumped against his as I sat beside him.
“Why do you look like you have a stomachache?”
“Victoria’s been up my ass.” I snarled.
“Dude. I bet she’s already got your wedding planned.” He threw his head back, laughing.
“No.” I shook my head. “Not just no. Hell. No.”
Mr. Crisman clapped his hands as he closed the door. “Let’s get ready to science!”
I got my notebook out and acted like I was taking notes. Glancing beside me, I saw Dexter balls deep messing around on his
phone.
Good. He won’t notice I’m writing a note to Miranda.
Well, not doing as much as thinking about her and scribbling her name while Mr. Crisman droned on about the periodic table.
When the bell rang, most of the class ran out, even though Mr. Crisman was still speaking. I slowly closed my notebook,
putting it in my backpack and then left the classroom.
I couldn’t wait to get home, drop this shit off and head to trails.
Ethan caught up to me as we walked down the stairs and towards the front doors to catch our bus.
“The girls are joining us.”
“Ugh. Why?” I rolled my eyes. “They’re gonna want to play truth or dare.”
“Yeah.” He laughed. “They’re easy.”
“Pervert.” I snorted as we climbed up the steps onto the bus.
“Yeah, so drop your shit off at home and meet us where the rope swing is.” Ethan brushed his shoulders off.
The bus was filled with noise and none of it provided a distraction to stop me from wondering if Miranda would show up.
Maybe I am a creeper?
When the bus stopped at my house, I walked up the aisle and down the stairs, running up the driveway.
No one home.
I heaved a sigh of relief and ran into the garage, dropping off my backpack and hopping on my bike.
The freedom I felt riding my bike was epic. No fighting parents. No bitchy mom. And no drunk dad.
I swiped a tear off my face and shook my head to push the memories out of my mind. I missed my dad. He was my best
friend. Was. Until the booze took over.
I sped down the road, pedaling harder as I approached the park. Once there, I could enter the woods and find the trail
leading to the enormous oak tree.
Usually we avoided this area and hung out at the treehouse, but today my friends had other plans. I really wanted to go by the
treehouse to see if Miranda was there, but I didn’t want them knowing I liked her.
The guys wouldn’t care, it was the girls who would. And knowing Victoria liked me, I knew she’d make Miranda’s life hell.
Like I’m a piece of property for her to stake her claim on.
Dust kicked up as my wheels moved from the parking lot of gravel to the dirt. As I neared the meeting place, I saw Ethan and
Dexter coming in from the other side.
Off to the left, I saw the girls walking towards the tree. When they noticed us, they ran to get on the tire swing and wait.
“We should play truth or dare!” Grace bounced.
Rolling my eyes, I turned to Ethan. “Told you.”
The problem with playing that was eventually, it always ended up becoming a make-out fest.
“Well?” Victoria came over to me. “You gonna get off your bike and play with me?”
“Don’t you mean us?” Lori glared at Victoria. “You’re not dating him. He’s free game.”
Victoria whipped her head around to glare at her friend. “I misspoke. We’ll all play together.”
I swung my leg around as I dismounted and parked my bike by one of the smaller trees, and then I climbed onto the tire
swing. After the guys dismounted, Dexter sat opposite of me and we swung around.
“I’ll start.” Victoria clapped her hands. “Hey, Gracie, I dare you to swing out over the lake and not fall.”
Grace looked down at her white shirt and lifted her lip in a scowl. “It’s a new shirt.”
“That’s the best you got?” Dexter asked, laughing. “Swing out.” He mimicked.
Grace pouted. “You could take the dare for me.”
Damn, she’s playing him!
Dexter vacated the tire swing and watched him move around the tree and take a running start. He grabbed onto the rope and
swung out. Just as he did, Grace flashed him, causing him to fall into the water and everyone to burst into laughter.
“What a shithead.” Ethan laughed harder, bending over with his hands on his knees.
I couldn’t help laughing at my friend. He should’ve known the girls had something up their sleeves.
“Whooooo!” A high-pitched voice broke into our laughter as Tara came flying over the hill, skidding to a stop in front of us.
“Shit. What are you jerks doing here?”
“Hanging out, sped.” Dexter came out of the water and shook off. “What’s it look like?”
 Her lip lifted in a snarl as she growled. “Great.”
From the other direction, Holly Hobbie came over the hill and skidded to a stop beside Tara. “Shit.”
I saw Victoria smile slyly at Grace and then look back to the party crashers. “Why don’t you girls join us? We’re playing
truth or dare.”
“Uh, because there’s better things to do.” Holly Hobbie motioned her head to the side. “Let’s go over…”
“Wait.” I heard my voice call out. “Why not join us?”
“Because I’m not a toy for your girlfriend to play with, rich boy.” She turned her head away from me and anger filled me.
“She’s not my girlfriend, Holly Hobbie, and I think you’re chicken.” I hopped off the tire swing and watched her eyes
narrow.
“Who’s Holly Hobbie?” Victoria sneered and walked over to me. “And why do you want her and sped to join us?”
“She’s an old character.” She pushed her bike over to a small tree and propped it up. “You cool with this, Tara?”
“Eh, got nothing else to do.” She did the same with her bike, and then the girls walked over and sat in the tire swing.
Grace sat on the ground with her legs stretched out in front of her, and leaned back on her arms. “So whose turn is it?”
“Dexter. You’re up.” I leaned against the tree and watched the breeze blow the small hairs that fell out of her bun.
He slapped his hands together and warmed them up. “Lori. Truth or dare?”
“Dare.” She batted her eyes.
“I dare you to lick a tree.”
“Seriously, Dex?” Her face scrunched up in disgust.
“I didn’t say the base where an animal might have pissed.” He made a silly face at her.
Her head whipped around, looking at all the trees. “Ugh. Fine.”
We watched as Lori stomped over to a small tree with fairly smooth bark and she stuck her tongue out, running it up a small
length. “There.”
“That looked hot.” Dexter waggled his eyebrows at her and she flipped him off.
Her eyes took everyone in, and she stopped when she got to the tire swing. “Tara.”
“Truth.”
“Have you ever shoplifted?” Lori dropped down beside Grace.
“Nope.” Tara lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “Wally, truth or dare?”
“Dare.”
One eyebrow raised as her lips twisted. “I dare you to ditch your shirt and do a Tarzan call before swinging out over the
lake.”
Wally choked on his laughter. “Done.”
He pulled his shirt off, beat his chest and wailed before grabbing the rope and performing the swing Dexter failed at.
The girls in the tire swing laughed and Wally landed back on solid ground, taking a bow.
“Ethan.” He nodded at our friend.
“Truth.”
“What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten?”
“Bull balls.” He gave a shudder.
“Ew.” I laughed. “You’re sick, man.”
“Yeah. That was on a dare too.” He looked over at me. “Henry.”
“Dare.”
Ethan winked at me, and I knew I was screwed. “Flash your junk at Vicki.”
And here we go, asshole.
“Pass.”
“It’s not like I’ve never seen it.” Victoria smiled at me.
“Pass.” I groaned.
“Pussy.” Ethan laughed. “Fine. Kiss your Holly Hobbie.”
I hope she’s not expecting a peck.
Her stormy eyes rolled and narrowed. “I’m not a doll to be played with.”
“Yeah.” Tara nodded. “And if she was a doll, she’d be more like Chucky.”
“Fine.” Ethan shrugged. “You’re not a doll. Henry. Please give the girl a kiss.”
“Why me?” She cringed.
“Yeah.” Victoria scoffed. “Why her?”
“Fresh lips.” Ethan lifted a shoulder in a careless shrug.
“Screw this.” Miranda got up from the swing, glowered at Victoria, and smiled at me. “Gimme your face.”
“Day-um.” Wally chuckled.
She stepped up to me, grabbed my shirt, and pulled me to her. My arms wrapped around her as our lips smashed together.
 Her lips feel so good.
Kissing Miranda was nothing like kissing the other girls. Her lips weren’t covered with lip gloss or lipstick, so they weren’t
sticky like theirs.
The tips of our tongues touched, and I felt an electric shock down to my toes.
“Dude.” Victoria shoved her arm between us. “He said a kiss. Not suck face.”
Miranda pulled back and shook her head. “You’re a jerk.”
“And you think you’re big shit.” Victoria went toe to toe with her. “All you are is an ugly ginger underclassman that wishes
she could be like us.”
“And you’re vapid bitch.” Miranda shoved her back.
Miranda
Tara grabbed my arm. “C’mon. Let’s get out of here.”
I lifted my hand with my middle finger up and shoved it into Victoria’s smug, overly made-up face. “Eat a dick.”
We walked over to our bikes, hopped on and peddled away, headed towards my farm.
You idiot. Letting her get you riled up.
“Those jerks tainted my favorite place!” I yelled over my shoulder to Tara.
“Tell me about it.” She yelled back. “Hey! Watch out!”
Her warning came too late, and I crashed into Jeremy Parks. Our bikes hooked together, our heads slammed into each other,
and we fell over in a pile of metal and limbs.
“Shit!”
“Ouch!”
“Oh, my god! Are you guys okay?” Tara hopped off her bike and ran over.
“Jere?” I groaned.
“I’m alive.” He grunted.
“Hang on, guys.” Tara worked at detangling the pile so we could scuttle out from the bikes.
We both flopped flat on the ground and I felt his hand reach for mine. Our fingers wound together, and I rolled to my side.
“You didn’t get that shiner from the crash.” My voice was strained. “What happened?”
“It doesn’t matter.” A tear slid down his cheek.
“To me it does.” I pushed myself up. “C’mon, let’s take our bikes to the farm and get something to drink.”
He nodded and got up off the ground. The three of us rode in silence back to the farm and hung out in the barn with Stanley
and Sophie.
“Dad’s drunk.” Jeremy sat on a bale of hay with Sophie bumping against him for pets.
“Again?” Tara sighed. “Mine is doing the AA program.”
Jeremy shook his head. “Yeah, well, I don’t think mine ever will.”
“Wanna stay for dinner?” I asked as I opened the large deep freezer we kept in the barn. I pulled out a bag of peas and tossed
it to him. “That should at least help it feel a little better.”
Jeremy leaned his head back and placed the cold peas on his face.
“Maaaaaaaah.”
“I couldn’t have said it better, Sophie.” He scratched her ears while she nibbled on the hem of his tee.
“How’s the rebuild going?” Tara asked as she chased Stanley around.
Jeremy’s eyes lit up as he lifted his head. “I’m learning so much. The twins’ dad, Joe, is so cool.”
“Joe is really nice.” I nodded, smiled. “He’s helped my grandparents out.”
“Rich, Coop and I all want to have our own garage one day. He said if we keep learning the way we are, then we’ll be set.”
“Whoo!” Tara jumped as Stanley turned around and chased her.
We left the goats to do goat things and climbed up in the loft to swing on the rope we had up there. The three of us laughed
and took turns.
I was swinging across when the barn door opened, and my grandfather yelled for me.
“Miranda?”
“Up here, Grandpa!” I hopped off the swing and leaned over the edge to see him. “What’s up?”
“Let’s go out to dinner.” He smiled.
“Can Jeremy and Tara come with?”
“If they want.”
 I turned back to my friends. “Well? You wanna go with us?”
Jeremy nodded. “Yeah. I can text ma and let her know.”
Tara had her phone out typing out a message. “I’m good.”
We went down the ladder, and Grandpa shook his head when he saw Jeremy’s black eye. “Gary?”
“Please, Mr. Walker.” A tear traveled down his cheek.
“I know, son. I won’t make more trouble for you.” Grandpa wrapped his arms around Jeremy. “Door is always open, so is
the barn.”
“Thanks.” He sniffled and Tara and I joined in the hug.
“So where we chowing at?” She asked as we all took a step back.
“Let’s go class up the yacht club.” Grandpa chuckled and motioned outside to his truck.
The three of us ran over and climbed inside buckling our seatbelts when Grandpa opened his door and slid in.
He started the truck; I turned up the radio volume and changed the station to the local rock one we loved.
Dancing in our seats, we enjoyed the drive to the yacht club and I couldn’t help giggling when my grandpa winked at the
valet worker and told him to make sure he didn’t scratch up his good truck.
He always told me the story of how proud he was to buy a brand new truck in nineteen ninety-nine. I don’t think they made
the ghastly shade of baby poop anymore.
Thankfully.
We walked into the club and immediately I felt underdressed. I hated that about this place. No one should look down on you
for your tax bracket. But I don’t think Carson’s got that memo.
Peggy Carson looked over at us and I saw the scowl pass across her face. Henry’s mom, Margaret, turned in her chair to
gawk at us as well.
My stomach felt like there were hundreds of butterflies inside it, and then Henry looked at me and smiled.
Tara grabbed my hand and leaned in close. “I think he likes you.”
“Shh.” I giggled and Jeremy leaned in.
“What are we whispering about?”
“Jere, I think Henry likes Miranda.” Tara giggled harder.
The hostess came over and led us to a table. She took our drink order and disappeared to find our server.
“I’ll be back, Grandpa. I want to wash my hands.”
He nodded, and I took off for the bathrooms.
I loved the way this place was decorated. The clean, bright white walls. Varied art pieces. And the bright green carpeting
that cushioned my feet.
The only reason we came here is because my grandma works in the kitchen. Her cooking was my favorite.
I was almost to the bathrooms when someone came up behind me, covered my eyes and mouth and pulled me into what
smelled like a cleaning closet.
Struggling against the strong arms, they put their mouth to my ear whispering. “Shh, Miranda. It’s me. Henry.”
I stopped fighting, and he moved his hands from my face. Turning around I looked at him in the dimly lit room.
“Sorry.” He smiled. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“What did you mean to do?” I tilted my head and smiled back at him. His thick, curly hair was in disarray.
“This.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer.
My head swooned, and I wrapped my arms around him, letting him kiss me.
His tongue made its way through my lips, teasing mine in a strange game of tag. And I really liked it.
My chest swelled as I tried to control my breathing and I felt something hard pressing against me. Moving my hand down
between us, I brushed against his erection, making him jump.
“Oh!” I jumped back in shock.
His cheeks darkened, and he let out an awkward laugh. “It’s okay.”
“Henry!” a woman’s voice called from the other side of the door.
“Ugh.” He groaned and shook his head. “That’s my mom. I need to go before she sends out a search party.”
“It’s okay.” I brushed some stray hair behind my ear.
He stepped closer and brushed his lips across mine again. “See you tomorrow?”
I nodded and leaned in to kiss him. The moment our lips touched again, his mom called out for him again.
The door rattled, and he pushed me out of sight as he opened it. “What?”
“What are you doing?” Her voice made me shiver.
“I just wanted a few moments to myself.” He shrugged.
“Fine.” She huffed. “I don’t believe you, but I will not argue with you here. Let’s go. I want to get home before your father
drinks himself into a coma.”
His shoulders dropped, and he slipped out of the door, keeping me hidden from her eyes.
 I covered my lips with my fingers, trying to capture the feeling of his lips on mine.
Oh, my god! I can’t wait to tell Tara and Jeremy!
Counting to one hundred, I hoped that would allow Henry and his mom to be far from this area so I could sneak out and make
it to the bathroom.
I opened the door, slowly peeking out the crack. When I saw the coast was clear, I left the closet and made my way to the
bathroom, washed my hands and went back to the table.
Henry and his family had left.
I can’t wait to see him tomorrow!
We ordered food and sat talking until Grandma brought it out to see us.
“Norma?” Grandpa tilted his head, looking at her. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Jay, don’t you go worrying.” She shook her head. “It’s a little warm in the kitchen.”
“Your skin looks weird, Grandma.” My eyes narrowed as I noticed her skin looked wet with a gray tone to it.
“Now stop.” She turned to walk away. “I’m old and tired. I need to finish in the kitchen so I can go home.”
Grandma took four steps and stopped, reaching to hold on to the table to her right.
I jumped up from my chair and ran to her. “Grandma?”
“There’s an elephant on my chest.” Her hushed voice gave me chills. Her left hand clutched my arm, and I pulled the chair
out for her to sit on.
“She needs a doctor!” I heard panic in my grandpa’s voice.
Grandma slid off the chair, landing on the floor. I dropped to my knees beside her. “Grandma!”
“Oh, my God!” Tara yelled, and I saw another adult pull her away from us. Jeremy too.
“The ambulance is on the way!” someone else called out.
Another voice sounded so far away. “Is she breathing?”
I reached out and tried to shake her. Then I felt hands pulling me away.
“Let go of me!” I fought against them. “Let me go!”
I didn’t know who had me, or how they knew my name, but I heard them telling me to calm down.
“I don’t want to calm down! I want my grandma!”
Tara and Jeremy ran up and pulled me from the person holding me. “Keep her here.” His firm voice made me angry.
I shoved him and tried to get back to my grandma, and he wrapped his arms around me again, holding me tight.
And he took every headbutt, bite, kick and scream I had.
I stopped fighting when I saw the paramedics come through the doors and blow past me. I wanted to hear what was going on.
But he wouldn’t let go. The next time I saw them, grandma was on the stretcher, with an oxygen mask on her face and grandpa
running behind them.
“Go on, Jay. I’ll drop the kids off and bring her to the hospital.”
Once the ambulance pulled away with lights and sirens, the man let me go. I spun around and shoved him again, noticing now
who it was.
“I know you’re mad.” Edith’s dad’s voice was softer now. “This is a scary time. Let’s get Jeremy and Tara home, then we’ll
meet your grandpa at the hospital.”
I sniffled and wiped my nose on my sleeve. “Okay.”
When we got into the car, I sat in the back seat between my friends. They each took a hand and held it while Mr. Malone
drove us in silence.
The first stop was Tara’s house. When he pulled into the driveway, he walked her to the door, spoke to her mom, and came
back.
Jeremy switched hands so he could wrap an arm around me.
Mr. Malone returned and drove over to Jeremy’s house. Mrs. Parks came running out, wiping her hands on her apron.
Jeremy pressed a kiss to the top of my head before exiting the car, leaving me inside, alone.
I heard mumbles but couldn’t make out what they were saying.
Mrs. Parks blew me a kiss, and I felt an ugly pit growing in my stomach. I needed to make sure my grandma was okay.
Edie’s dad got back in the car and drove us to the hospital. I appreciated the silence. I didn’t need small talk, and this
allowed silent tears to trek down my face.
When we arrived, he drove up the long lane where you could drop or pick up patients from. Sitting on a bench outside,
holding his head, was my grandpa.
Mr. Malone rolled down the passenger window. “Need me to stay?”
“No.” Grandpa shook his head as I climbed out and closed the door. “Thanks, Irv.”
“You know where I am if you need anything.”
“Thanks.”
The window went up, and I took my grandpa’s hand. “Let’s go see Grandma.”
 “Honey. Wait.” He stopped me from pulling him and his voice sounded frail. “I need to tell you something.”
A chill ran through my body, and I looked into his eyes. I’d seen that look before.
“Honey.” Tears filled his eyes. “Something happened.”
My head shook as I took a step back. “No.”
I watched as he worked to swallow and stop the tears. “Miranda.”
“No.” My voice came out firmer. “Where’s grams? What room is she in?” I demanded as an officer came outside.
Sheriff Coats looked between us, removed his hat, and bowed his head. “Miranda.”
“NO!” I couldn’t stop myself from screaming.
Grandpa’s arms wrapped around me and held me tight. “She had a heart attack, baby. It hit so fast there wasn’t a thing anyone
could’ve done.”
“You’re lying.” Tears streamed down my face.
“I wish I were.” His voice broke as he squeezed me tighter.
“You have to be.” I sobbed.
“Baby, I’m sorry.” Grandpa sobbed, holding on to me.
Henry
I couldn’t wait to get to school and see Miranda.
My lips still tingled from kissing her. I knew she was a sixth grader, but I didn’t care. She was so different from the girls that
hung around with us.
Honest. Kind. Beautiful.
Ethan elbowed me. “What’s got you smiling like a derp?”
I looked around to see who sat closest and then leaned in so only he could hear me. “I kissed Miranda.”
“Dude, I know. I was there.” He laughed. “I’m the one who dared you to.”
I shook my head. “No. Last night at the club.”
“When?” His eyes narrowed.
“I pulled her into the cleaning closet.”
“Dude!” His jaw dropped. “When your mom was looking for you, you were making out with Holly Hobbie in the closet?”
“Yep.” I nodded. “You should try being nicer to Vivi. It’ll get you farther.”
“I don’t even like Vivian.” He shook his head and sat back.
“Right.” I laughed.
The bus bounced along and I looked out the window. School was almost over and summer would be here.
I wonder if Miranda likes to swim?
The bus slowed and turned the corner, shaking us all around before pulling into the parking lot and opening the door for us to
exit.
Ethan and I walked on the sidewalk, following the other kids into the building. Two stories of classrooms, hundreds of
people to wade through.
I didn’t see Miranda anywhere.
“Hi, Henry.” Victoria ran over and wrapped her arms around me. “You didn’t call me last night.” She thrust her lip out,
pouting.
“That’s because he was busy cleaning.” Ethan deadpanned.
“You have a maid.” She wrinkled her nose. “Why on earth would you do her job?”
Rolling my eyes, I walked past her and into the building. “She annoys me.”
“She’s got plans to marry you.” Ethan laughed. “Gracie told me about it.”
“I’d kill myself first.”
“Shh.” Dexter joined us. “If the counselor hears you say that, she’ll call your parents and you’ll be off to the looney bin.”
I broke away from my friends and walked down the hall to my locker. Richard had his locker open, and he was talking to his
younger brother.
“Today we’re meeting at the twin’s place. Joe is going to go over oil changes.”
“Yeah. I need something to distract me.” Jeremy frowned.
“Maybe invite Miranda?” Richard shrugged.
“Invite Miranda for what?” I asked, spinning the combination lock.
The brothers looked over at me. “Miranda’s grandma died last night. So I thought she might like something to distract her.”
“Wait.” I shook my head. “What happened?”
“She had a heart attack.” He frowned. “I feel so bad for her.”
“Ma said she didn’t suffer.” Richard joined in, frowning. “Norma was good friends with our mom.”
Pete walked up and shook his head. “I’m gonna miss her cooking.”
Confusion filled me. “Cooking?”
 “She was the head cook at the club.” Pete sighed. “My mom pissed me off too, Miss Norma just passed and mom wants to
bring in some special chef.”
“I heard Miss Norma telling my mom how your mom was trying to push her out.” Richard closed his locker.
“Yeah. My mom’s a snobby bitch sometimes.” Pete shrugged. “Catch you losers in class.”
The hall emptied as we stood there.
“What happened to your eye?” I pulled out the book I needed and closed my locker.
Jeremy shrugged and sighed. “I’m going to class.”
He jogged down the hall to his class as Pete, Richard, and I went into our classroom.
The bell rang, and our English teacher scribbled on the board while muttering.
Victoria came in late and took her pass to the teacher before sliding into the seat beside me. She leaned over and batted her
eyes.
“Henry. There’s a dance on Friday. Wanna go with me?”
I shook my head and tried to pay attention to the teacher, feeling victorious when she sat back in her seat with a huff and left
me alone.
My day was surprisingly peaceful, making my classes and lunchtime fly by. When the last bell rang, I bolted out of class, to
my locker, grabbed my backpack, and then ran to the bus.
Ethan boarded the bus shortly after me and dropped down beside me. “Where’s the fire?”
“What fire?” I shrugged and sat back.
He turned his head towards me, his eyes narrowed. “You’re going to see Holly Hobbie.”
“So?”
“Dude.” He held up his hand. “Don’t be defensive.”
“I’m not trying to be.” I slammed my head back against the seat. “It’s just … I really like her.”
“Pussy.” Ethan laughed.
“Jerk.” I elbowed him.
We rode in silence and when my stop came, I almost knocked him out of the way to get off the bus.
Running up the driveway, I skidded to a halt when I saw my mom sitting outside, sipping her iced tea.
“Welcome home, Henry.” She smiled. “You seem like you’re in a hurry.”
“Yeah, I don’t have homework and I wanted to go hang out on the trails.”
“I don’t think so.” She sipped her tea.
“Why not?”
“We’re having a dinner party tonight. I want you to pick out what you plan to wear, get in the shower and, for the love of
God, do something with the mop on your head.”
“But…” I thumbed to the garage. “Can’t I go for a little bit?”
“No.” She pursed her lips.
“We have three hours before anyone will be here.” I raised my voice, and she stood up walking closer to me. “I want to go
hang out!”
“Henry.” The tone in her voice oozed ice.
“This is stupid! I wah…”
Her hand flew out and slapped me across the face. “Enough.”
“You … you hit me!” I stepped back.
“You’re acting like a spoiled brat.” She stepped after me. “Get in the house.”
“I hate you!” I snarled.
She threw her glass of tea, smashing it on the ground. “Not as much as I hate you.” She slapped me again. “I am done with
you being a brat.”
Huffing out a hard breath, I turned to go into the house.
“And don’t think I don’t know about your little white trash friend.” Her shoes crunched the small shards of glass. “Stay away
from her.”
Shaking my head, I stormed inside, running to my room to be alone.

Miranda
The last few days blurred all together. I didn’t want to talk to anyone … that’s not true. The one person I wanted to talk to
didn’t call or come by.
My body felt numb. My brain couldn’t process any thoughts and I didn’t want to hear anymore condolences.
 People have been in and out of our home, bringing food, paper products, and repeated offers if we need anything to call.
You know what I needed?
Everyone to leave me alone.
I hated funerals. I hated death. I hated people. I hated the smell of the funeral home.
The foyer at the funeral home was meant to be comforting.
Spoiler alert. It wasn’t
“There you are, Miranda.” Wally and Andrew’s mom walked over to me. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry for your loss.” She
placed a finger under my chin and lifted my face. “You’re probably so sick of hearing that.”
“Thanks.”
“Wouldn’t you be?” Jeremy’s mom, Miss Jean, walked up.
How many times had I heard that? A hundred? A million? What does it even mean? Great. You’re sorry. You didn’t kill
her. You didn’t kill my parents.
The women stepped back to give me breathing room, and I slinked away. I didn’t want any more hugs. Walking through the
funeral home, I made my way to a dark corner and hid.
Every person here loved my grandma. I’d heard all the stories and loved them, but right now they weren’t bringing me
comfort.
All I wanted was for my grandma to be alive.
It’s not fair that she’s gone.
Most of my teachers sent home make-up work for me and I had it all completed while I avoided all the plans that were being
made.
I wanted to go home. I wanted my goats and dogs.
“There you are.” My grandpa’s soft voice made me look up.
“Sorry.”
He sat down beside me. “You don’t have to be sorry, punkin.”
“I miss my mom and dad.” Tears rolled down my cheeks. “It’s not fair.”
Warm arms wrapped around me in a secure hug. “It’s not. But sometimes this is the hand life deals us.”
“Who? Who is the stupid dealer that thought this was a good hand?”
“Aw, punkin, some people think it’s God. Others call it fate.” He sighed. “And in the end, we don’t get a say.”
“This is so stupid.”
“I agree.” His tears dripped onto my head.
We sat there together in our sadness until a strange soft voice interrupted. “Excuse me, Mr. Walker. The pastor is ready to do
the service.”
Grandpa nodded. “Give us a minute.”
“Of course.”
The young woman disappeared, and he turned his eyes to me. “Well.” He sighed. “Are you coming with me?”
I nodded. “Yeah. We’re all we got now.”
He pushed himself up from the floor and waited for me. With our hands clasped together, we walked back to the viewing
room and took our place in the front row.
A brand new box of tissues appeared at the end of the row and I picked it up, hugging it to my body. I didn’t hear a word the
pastor said.
The numbness I felt ran through me and I was sure I’d never feel normal again.
Miranda
It'd been two weeks since Grandma died, and today I wanted to go back to school. I couldn’t take being at home anymore.
Neither could my grandpa.
Today was his first day back at work too and he was driving me to school.
“You know. If it’s too much, you can call me and I’ll come get you.” He glanced over before taking off from a stop sign.
“I know.” I reached for his hand and rubbed my thumb on his leathery skin. “But if I keep staying home, I’ll just miss her
more.”
“Same.”
He pulled into the drop off lane and didn’t let go of my hand until we were almost at the front doors.
“Miranda, it’s okay to not be okay.”
Sadness filled me. “I know.”
I leaned over and kissed his cheek. Then opened my door and got out, joining the herd of kids walking towards the school.
“Hey! M!” I heard Tara’s voice, and I stepped to the side to wait for her.
“Hey, T.”
“I brought some cookies. Wanna share?”
We smiled at each other as I nodded my head. “That sounds great.”
“We can pop into the FACS class to get some milk.” She linked her arm with mine and we walked into the building and went
down the main hall to Mrs. Carroll’s classroom.
“Miranda!” someone yelled from behind us.
Pausing, we both turned around to see Henry jogging towards us. Before he caught up to us, Victoria stepped in front of him,
wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
My heart sank to my feet.
That’s why he never called.
“C’mon, M, let’s go eat cookies.” Tara linked her fingers with mine and we turned our backs and disappeared into the
classroom.
Mrs. Carroll glanced up. “Hiding out until the bell?”
Nodding, I set my backpack down on a desk. “Grandpa said I didn’t have to come back today, but …” I shrugged.
“I understand.” She gave me a small smile and let us raid the fridge for milk to go with our cookies.
We ate in silence, and my mind drifted to Henry and Victoria.
If his plan was to make Victoria jealous, he should’ve found someone else. I was stupid to think he liked me.
The two cookies I ate sat heavy in my belly and a wave of nausea passed over me.
“Sorry, T.” I sighed. “I’m gonna head to art.”
“You don’t have to be sorry.” She got up and took our cups to the sink to be washed. “We’re older now, and you’re probably
going to feel out of sorts for a while.” Her shoulders lifted in a shrug. “At least that’s what my mom said.”
“Thanks.” I pressed my lips together in a wane smile and grabbed my backpack before leaving the room.
My feet took me the long way around through the back hall to my locker. Most people I came across moved out of my way,
except for the one who stood blocking my locker.
The cloying sweetness of her perfume made me want to vomit. “Please move.”
Victoria laughed. “Not until I make sure you know your place.”
“And what place is that?”
She dropped her voice menacingly low. “You were a curiosity for Henry. Nothing more.”
My voice sounded flat when I responded. “Noted.”
 “If I see you near him, I’ll make you wish you were never born.”
“Jokes on you.” I barked out a laugh. “I already do!”
The bell rang and most students scattered like cockroaches when someone turned on a light. Victoria shoved me into the
lockers before she walked away, finally leaving me alone.
Bitch. I hated her. I hated feeling this way.
Reaching for the combination lock, I twisted my numbers out, threw my backpack inside and slammed it shut before walking
down the hall to my class.

Henry
Victoria’s sticky lips felt gross, and I pushed her back, breaking the kiss. “What the hell?”
“Oh, Henry.” She giggled. “Don’t be like that.”
“We’re not together, Victoria.” I tried to walk around her and she moved with me.
“Henry. You can’t run from me.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Please. Leave me alone.”
“Fine.” She shrugged. “I’ll see you at lunch.”
Victoria walked away with a smirk on her face, and when I looked up, Miranda was gone.
Walking down the hall, I looked into the classrooms to see if that’s where she disappeared, and as I was about to open the
door to FACS class, Jeremy put his arm out to stop me.
“Let her have some breathing room.”
“I need to tell her …”
He held up both hands. “She’s one of my best friends, and right now? She needs breathing room.”
Shit. He’s right.
Nodding, I turned and walked away. I’ll find her at lunch and see how she’s holding up.
Ethan, Richard, Dexter and Wally jogged towards me. “C’mon, Henry, we have time to shoot some hoops.”
I joined them jogging towards the gym and pushed everything from my mind except the hurt look on Miranda’s face when
Victoria ambushed me.
Today already sucked.
The gym was always full in the mornings before the first bell rang. Sixth and seventh graders stayed in the back part of the
room leaving the front part for us eighth graders.
Dexter passed a basketball to me, and we all took turns shooting. My friends made every basket they shot.
Me? I failed.
“Dude. What is up with you?” Wally elbowed me. “You usually nail the shot every time.”
“His girlfriend is back, and she probably blew him off.” Ethan laughed, went in for a lay-up and made his shot.
“What girlfriend?” Richard asked as he took his turn.
“You know, Holly Hobbie.”
“She’s not my girlfriend.” I growled.
Ethan threw his head back, laughing harder. “No? But you want her to be.”
I hard passed the ball to him and went over to grab my backpack. “Later.”
Storming from the gym, I headed to my first class, deciding I needed to stay away from people today.
Every time the bell rang it gave me a small amount of solace to know I was that much closer to lunch.
I couldn’t concentrate in any of my classes, even more so in Mr. Bell’s history class. The past bored me to death, but when
you added in his monotone droning, sticking a dull pencil into my ear sounded like a completely sane idea.
Thankfully, this was my last class before lunch.
I drummed my pencil on the desk while watching the clock when I heard him call my name.
“Henry?”
“Yes, Mr. Bell?”
“Am I boring you?”
Loaded question.
“No, sir, I’m just hungry.” I set my pencil down and acted like I was interested in whatever war he talked about.
The classroom was so quiet I could hear the minute hand ticking away and I felt like I was about to crawl out of my skin.
When the bell finally rang, I grabbed my backpack and bolted from the classroom. I needed to find Miranda.
I scanned through the crowd until I saw her red hair going into the cafeteria. Running through the sea of people, I darted in
the doors and saw her sit at her normal table.
 “Perfect.” I walked over and took a seat across from her. “I couldn’t wait to see you.”
“Why?” She glared at me. “Seeing you kiss your girlfriend didn’t say enough?”
“I didn’t …” I shook my head and Victoria came up behind me, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.
“Hey.” She kissed my cheek, and I saw Miranda’s eyes narrow.
She picked up her brown lunch bag, stood up and tossed it into the trash, leaving the lunchroom.
“Henry, I heard her friends talking.” Victoria sat beside me. “Miranda doesn’t like you. As a matter of fact, she wants you to
leave her alone.”
“That doesn’t sound right.” I glared at her.
“Fine.” She shrugged and waved Jeremy over. “I heard you and the girls talking about Miranda and Henry.”
Jeremy shrugged. “And?”
“He doesn’t believe she would feel that way.”
“Well, she does.” Jeremy looked directly at Victoria. “And you’re a jerk for eavesdropping. Miranda would’ve told him
when she was ready.”
We watched him walk away, and Victoria smiled. “See?”
My stomach dropped to my feet. “Whatever.”
We were in the last quarter of school, and except for math, I wouldn’t see Miranda.
Eighth grade could suck my toe.
Miranda
Sophomore year of high school
I blew out a hard breath, making my lips vibrate while I spun the combination to open my locker. The stench of urine slapped
me in the face and as I looked down, I saw my books were warped from being wet.
“What the hell?” I looked around, and Bubba Williams looked around the door and busted up laughing.
“Hell, Miranda, I think that was for me.” His body shook like Jello as he laughed harder.
“You can’t be serious.” I dropped my backpack and pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to stop the headache that was
forming.
He slapped my back hard enough to jostle me. “Hell yeah! It’s senior week!”
Some of the other football players came bounding through the hall, yelling like idiots. Bubba chest bumped one and then
joined in, heading down the rest of the corridor.
I slammed my locker shut and walked in the opposite direction to Tara’s locker. She looked up at me and smiled. “Who
pissed in your post toasties?”
“Some fucking jock thinking my locker was Bubba’s pissed in mine.”
Edith and Elena walked up with scrunched noses.
“Someone peed in your locker?” Edith shook. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
“No, Edie, if I was joking I would’ve said big red truck.” I felt the snarl on my face.
“Ew.”
“Ew, is right.”
The four of us walked down the hall towards the gym. I thought I heard my name, and turned to see who was calling me,
when I tripped over a foot and went sprawling on the hallway floor.
“Ya oughta’ be more careful than that, Holly Hobbie.”
Asshole. I can’t wait for him to graduate this year.
When we hit the freshman building, it was still peaceful because the arrogant jerks were upper classmen, but now we’re all
in the same building.
“Screw you, Walsh.” I growled and got up from the floor.
“You wish.” Victoria called after me.
“Don’t worry, Victoria! Your place as school slut is secure!” I raised my hand in a one-finger salute, smiling as I caught up
with my friends.
We chattered amongst ourselves as we made our way to the gym. The halls were decked out for senior week, and most of the
school was excited about it.
I wasn’t one of them.
All I wanted was to get through this hell they call high school and get to college. Our school had a transition program where
you could get a jumpstart on college courses and I couldn’t wait.
After seeing my grandma drop and not knowing what was wrong, I knew I wanted to work in a health field.
Even now, what if thoughts haunted me.
What if I knew CPR? Could that have saved her?
As we entered the locker room, we went around the main grouping of lockers and went to our little corner to change.
I flipped my shirt off and hung it up. “This day can suck my left nut.”
“Have you seen the guys?” Lindsey pulled her tee shirt on and slammed her gym locker shut. “Like, they were all cute before
summer, but now? Holy hot damn!”
I sighed and closed my locker before sitting on the bench. “And every last one of them is a prick.”
 “Not all.” Lindsey laughed. “What do you think, Viv?”
“I think I agree with Miranda.” She laughed and put her foot up to tie her laces. “Ethan is the worst of the lot.”
“Try again.” I scowled. “Henry laughed when he tripped me this morning.”
“Why?” She scrunched her face up. “Want me to flick some chocolate shake on the back of his head at lunch?”
“Ladies!” Coach Wilkes yelled from the doorway. “Let’s get a groove going!”
“Coming, Coach!” Vivian yelled back as we finished getting ready.
One by one, we all left the locker room and lined up for roll-call and warm-ups. Then coach led us out to the field.
Henry jogged up beside me. “Hey, Holly?”
Drop dead.
“Not my name.”
Henry was cute in middle school, but now he was gorgeous. He had a five o’clock shadow that made him look rugged, and
he still had that adorable dimple.
“Don’t be like that.” He turned around and jogged backwards, trying to get my attention.
I hope you trip.
“Drop dead.” I kept my gaze forward.
He grabbed my arm and stopped me from walking. “Look, I need your help.”
“I’m not qualified for the help you need.” I looked him in the eye. “Unless you need to be pissed on because you’re on fire.”
“Gross.” He mock sneered at me. “Hear me out.”
“What do I get if I hear you out?” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“What do you want?” He flashed me his best smile.
“Is you dropping dead too much to ask?”
“Yes.” He stopped smiling.
“Then I guess I’ll settle for you leaving me alone.” I smiled at him.
“Deal.” He nodded and stepped closer. “I want to sneak an animal in as a prank on Principal Miller.”
“And?”
“And I need your help.” His cinnamon brown eyes twinkled with mischief.
This has to be a joke.
“You’re joking.”
“Nope.” He beamed.
“Fine, then I’m dreaming.” I shook my head and closed my eyes.
“C’mon, doll, word is you’re good with animals and have a goat.”
I opened my eyes, frowning. “You’re still around.
“Aw, look at you.” His voice was condescending. “You got jokes.”
“Ugh.” I turned and walked to catch up with my friends.
“Don’t be like that, Miranda.” He showed up beside me again.
“Will the goat be harmed?”
“No.” He threw his arm over my shoulder like we were pals. “I just want to sneak it in before school.”
“You know it’s not that easy?” I side-eyed him.
“Why not?”
“You know they eat everything?”
“We’ll secure it.” He nodded excitedly. “Trust me.”
“No. I don’t trust you. But I think it could be funny.”
“So you’ll help me?” He blocked me from walking.
“Fine.” I sighed. “When?”
“Tomorrow morning.” He winked. “Come on, it’ll be the best senior prank ever!”
I glared at him. “Let me make sure I got it right.” I ticked everything on my fingers. “First, you want to borrow a goat. Then
you sneak it into the school.”
“Yep.”
“And then you’ll give me what for my help and silence.” I smiled again.
“You won’t see or hear from me for the rest of the school year.” He flashed another beautiful smile at me, making his dimple
show again.
Damn him and that dimple.
“Just you or all your cronies, too?”
“Um, all of us?” He gave me a mock pout.
“Deal.”
“Awesome.” He ran off to join his friends, and I walked over to mine.
 “What’d Henry want?” Edie asked as she cleaned her glasses.
“Tell ya later.” I shrugged.

Henry
Hell yeah! Miranda’s gonna help.
I didn’t think she would after all the flak we’ve given her and her friends, but she was smart enough to know a good prank
when she heard one.
“Hey, Henry.” Wally maneuvered his way to me. “She gonna help us?”
“Yup.” I smiled. “But we need to stop picking on her.”
“Why?” He looked offended.
“That’s the deal.”
Ethan, Dexter and Richard joined us.
“What’s the deal?” Ethan stretched his arms and then popped his neck.
“No more picking on Miranda.” I shrugged. “And she’ll let us borrow her goat.”
“How did you know she had a goat?” Ethan laughed.
Richard chuckled. “She’s friends with Jeremy. He talks about the goats.”
I remembered Miranda from middle school and the kisses we shared. Her lips were the only ones I’d ever kissed without
something on them. I tried suggesting natural lips to Victoria, and she laughed in my face.
Coach hollered for us to join the class. Jogging over, we moved closer while he chose team captains, and then it was time to
play some touch football. The game went smoothly until Ethan tackled Vivian, sending her to the nurse.
I leaned over to Wally. “What class are you in with her?”
“Who?” He looked confused.
“Duh.” Rolling my eyes, I looked over at him. “Miranda.”
“Oh. English.” Wally waved at the coach. “Why?”
“Tell her to meet me after school under the bleachers so we can get our plans down.”
“Good idea.” He gave me thumbs up. “Don’t be seen with the help.”
“Gentlemen?” Coach looked over at us. “Are you ready to play? Or are you still having a private tea party?”
We laughed and joined the huddle with the rest of our team. School wasn’t my favorite place to be, but it was better than
being home with my mom.
After almost an hour of flag football, we were back in the locker room. Most of us were showered and ready to head to
lunch, but Ethan was lagging behind.
“What’s up?” I leaned against the lockers.
“Nothing. Go on without me.” He motioned with his head. “I’ll catch up.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You’re up to something.”
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes. “Keep coach busy?”
“Sure.” I went to find Coach. “You brown baggin’?”
“I am.” Coach held his lunch up.
I motioned to the back door. “Wanna head out to the track?”
“Yeah.” He nodded and got up from his desk.
Coach and I went out the back doors talking about the track meet on Friday. This was something I missed from my dad.
Shootin’ the shit for the hell of it.
The rest of my day went by fast, and I couldn’t wait until after school. My locker wasn’t far from Miranda’s. The school kept
things in alphabetical order. Reaching onto my top shelf, I snagged a rubber band and took aim at Miranda.
She snapped her head around and felt all over her head, making me laugh. I grabbed another one and shot it across the hall at
her again, laughing harder when she slammed her locker.
“What’s so funny?” Victoria wrapped her arms around me.
“Nothing.” I tried to get out of her embrace.
“Wanna come over?” Her hand slid down and cupped my erection. “I could take care of this for you.”
I shoved her hand away. “Not now.”
“Why are you being mean…” Her eyes zeroed in on Miranda and she let go of me.
Miranda looked at us and walked away.
“Why are you looking at her?” Victoria glared at me.
“No reason.”
 “But you keep looking at her.”
“No. I don’t.” I slammed my locker shut and walked down the hall.
“Every time I turn around, you’re looking at her.” She stomped her foot. “Do you prefer that white trash bitch over me?”
A small crowd gathered around us.
“Well, Henry?” Her hand went to her hips and people moved in closer.
“No.” I huffed out a hard breath in frustration. “I don’t even like her!” Looking over Victoria’s head, I saw Miranda standing
there shaking her head before she turned and ran down the hall.
It took another fifteen minutes to calm Victoria down. What I should’ve done was tell her I wanted to break-up.
She finally left with her friends and I ran down to the gym and out the doors to see if Miranda was waiting for me under the
bleachers.
Making sure no one else was around, I slipped under them and looked around for Miranda. When I didn’t see her anywhere, I
went back inside the school, got my backpack and ran to my car. If she wouldn’t meet me here, I’d go to her.
There was an old farm not far from the school. I turned on the dirt road that led there and pulled into the driveway. I watched
as three huge dogs trotted into the barn.
Opening my door, I slid out of the car and jumped when someone yelled at me.
“Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!”
I fell back against the car and slumped to the ground, staring at a goat. “What the fuck?”
“What’re you doing?” Her voice came from the other side of my car.
Jumping up, I looked at her and could tell she’d been crying. “You weren’t under the bleachers.”
“That’s because I’m not your friend.” She sneered at me and walked towards the barn.
“I didn’t say that!”
“You don’t even like me. Ring a bell?” She spun and looked at me as she walked backwards. “Oh! and let’s not forget white
trash bitch.”
I stood there like a moron, watching her walk away and felt something ram against my thigh.
“Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!”
“Damn, are you noisy!” I looked down at the goat, who backed up and lunged for me again. I stepped out of the way in time
for his thick head to hit my car and dent my door. “Jesus!”
He backed up again, and I ran towards the barn. “Mirrrrraaaaaaaaaanda!”
“Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!”
I heard his hoofs pounding the ground behind me. “Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.”
The dogs barked and a smaller goat came running towards me from the front.
“Maaaaaaaaaaah!”
“Fuck!” I jumped over the small gate in front of a stall and heard laughter. “This isn’t funny, Miranda.”
“I disagree.” Her head hung down from the loft. “This is hilarious!”
The goats wandered off with the dogs, and I hopped back over the gate. Along the wall, I saw a ladder that went up to the
loft and I went over and climbed up.
Miranda
I sat back against a block of hay and watched Henry climb into the loft.
“Miranda.” His dark eyes looked serious.
My head fell back as I roared with laughter. “Looked like Stanley doesn’t like you much.”
“He’s a demon.” He dropped to the floor.
“He’s a goat.” I laughed harder. “They’re their own people.”
His laughter joined mine as he looked around the loft. “This place seems cool.”
Shrugging, I got up and climbed over the bales to grab the rope. “I like it.”
“I’m…” His laughter died off and he sighed.
“You’re what?” I swung out across the loft. “Sorry that your girlfriend called me a white trash bitch? Or that you didn’t stop
her?”
“It doesn’t matter what I say. You won’t believe me.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t get why you’re so mad at me.
You didn’t want me back in middle school, and I gave you space.”
I swung back to my starting point. “Try again, rich boy.”
“Why do you hate me?”
“I thought you liked me, especially after pulling me into the cleaning closet at the restaurant.” I swung around again. “Then
you got with Victoria.”
“Oof.” He tried to catch me and went flying. “Are you talking about when you got back?”
“Yeah.”
He wrapped his hands around my waist. “Let go.” A smile spread across his face, making his dimple show, and I felt my
brain shut off.
Then I surprised myself by listening.
“I still remember kissing you.” His hands spanned around my waist, and he brought me down, keeping me against his body.
“Victoria told me you didn’t want me around.”
“I’m sure she did.”
His lips brushed against mine. “She said she heard your friends talking and when she asked your friend, he said that you
would’ve told me when you were ready.”
“I had a crush on you.”
He leaned in and rubbed his nose with mine. “And now?”
“I thought we agreed you’d leave me alone.”
“Is that what you want?” His voice deepened, and goosebumps swept across my skin.
The air felt suctioned out of the barn and I found it hard to breathe. His eyes darkened, and I felt his erection press against
me.
I watched his Adam’s apple bob in his throat as he licked his lips. Henry’s voice dropped low when he spoke. “What is it
you want?”
I closed my eyes, trying not to look into his. “For you to leave me alone.”
His arms tightened around me. “No.”
Henry’s tongue licked my bottom lip, and my hands grabbed his head as I pressed my lips against his.
His groan rumbled against my chest and I felt my nipple tighten. My legs wrapped around his waist and I felt his hands cup
my ass.
I could feel my body respond to his, and I hated myself for it. Breaking our kiss, I swallowed and asked. “What about…”
“Shhh.” His lips slammed over mine again.
 I moved my body, grinding against him, moaning from the stimulation.
He broke the kiss and set me down. His large hands grabbed my face. “Tell me you don’t want me.”
“I don’t want you.” My hands moved up to his chest and shoved him back.
Henry stood there looking at me for a brief moment before he reached out and grabbed the waist of my jeans, yanking me to
him. “I’ve waited too long for this moment.”
I felt his hands slide under my shirt and I raised my arms so he could take off my shirt. Tossing it aside, he ran his index
finger down the side of my face, to my chest, and down between my breasts.
“I think about you all the time.” He groaned.
My hands moved under his shirt, and he lifted his arms for me to remove it. Being shorter than him, I left it on his arms to
finish removing and he tossed it on top of mine.
His hands came back to my waist, and he lifted me to sit on the hay bale, moving between my legs. His hair tickled my chest
as he bent his head to kiss the tops of my breasts.
Reaching behind me, I unbuttoned my bra, letting it hang loosely for him to slide it off. His lips scorched my skin with each
kiss and he yanked it from my body, letting it fly behind him.
Henry’s mouth wrapped around a nipple, sucking and nibbling it, making my pussy wetter.
“Stop that.” I groaned as my head fell back.
He pulled off with a pop and moved over to my other breast, giving it the same treatment. His body wiggled as he moved
around, then I felt his hands pushing my shoes off.
This time, when he pulled off, he stepped back and unbuttoned the top of his jeans. I felt the smile grow on my face as he
took his time unzipping them. Mimicking him, I did the same to my jeans.
“Tell me you don’t want me.” I demanded as I stared into his eyes.
He shook his head.
I jumped off the hay bale and walked over to him. “Tell me.”
He dropped to his knees, pulling me close to kiss my belly. His hands pushed my jeans and underwear down as he moved his
kisses lower. My hand fisted in his hair and yanked his head back.
“No.”
Henry held his hands up. “Walk away.”
“I hate you.” I snarled before jumping at him.
He caught me and our lips slammed together as we fell back on the floor. Rolling around in each other’s arms, our fingers
explored and caused goosebumps as we teased each other. Somehow, we worked our way out of our jeans. Our bodies were
naked, except for our socks.
Soft moans mixed with the goats screaming below us as we fought for dominance until he won and pinned me to the floor.

Henry
I looked into her eyes and saw the storms moving in them. “Your fucking eyes.” I groaned and slammed my lips over hers
again.
She groaned, and I moved my body against hers, letting my dick play in the valley of her thighs.
Her fingers traced my ear and then got lost in my hair. She smelled like soap and something earthy. No harsh chemicals or
perfumes, and her skin was soft.
My hand moved up her side and cupped her breast as she arched up into my touch. Her hands moved down my body, and I
felt her fingertips against my back, just before her nails bit into my skin.
“Yes-s-s-s.” I hissed against her lips as I moved my kisses to her jawline and the hollow of her neck.
She wiggled and fought to roll us again, and I let her roll us to our sides. Her hand wasted no time slipping between our
sweaty bodies to grasp my erection.
Her thumb circled my head and spread my precum, giving me goosebumps all over.
She threw her leg up over my hip, giving me room to play, and I plunged a finger inside her warm honey pot, making her
gasp, then I added another. Her head fell back, and she moaned while tightening her grip on me.
I plunged my tongue deeper into her mouth and she matched her pace, stroking me to how I fingered her. Her response to my
touch had me on edge.
Breaking our kiss, I moaned. “Fuck.” My head fell back. “Tell me you don’t want me.”
“I can’t.” She moaned again, and I felt desire race through me as her hips moved with me.
“Tell me you want me to stop.” I panted and dropped my head against hers.
“Say my name.” She panted into my ear.
 I ran my tongue up her neck to her ear. “Miranda.”
“Mm, Henry.” She pulled me to be on top of her, and I pulled my fingers free.
“I don’t have…” I panted.
“Have you ever fucked without one?” She flicked her tongue at my chin.
“No.”
She lifted her hips up and my body responded to her offer as I pushed inside her. I could feel her velvet softness gripping me,
and I had to hold steady.
I didn’t know this is what it felt like. No wonder Richard said it’s better.
“On top.” I panted and rolled us. Her blue eyes looked down, and I trembled seeing the desire in them. My hands gripped her
hips and moved her faster, fascinated by her breasts bouncing. She panted and braced her hands on my chest.
Her lips parted, and I wanted to taste them again. I pulled her down to me, and we rolled back over. My lips slammed
against hers and I felt her lift her legs to let me drive deeper. Bucking my hips faster, I chased my orgasm as I felt her pussy
tighten around me.
Our kisses went through a gamut of licking, biting, sucking until we both cried out.
I dropped against her, holding myself up so I didn’t crush her. The smile on her face made me want to go again.
“Miranda?” a voice yelled into the barn.
“Yeah, grandpa?”
I felt the blood drain out of my face.
“I’m home.”
“Okay.” She looked up at me.
“I’ll be inside.” I could vaguely hear him shuffle away and she looked nonplussed.
“Miranda…” I whispered against her lips. “This…”
“Shh.” Her lips pressed against mine.
She gave me a gentle nudge, and I rolled to the side of her. I watched her stretch before she looked at me. “If I were you?
Tomorrow morning, I’d coax Sophie with some apples. She’s the smaller goat.”
“She didn’t seem to hate me.” I chuckled.
“I need to get inside and get started on dinner.” She smiled at me, and I leaned over to kiss her.
This kiss made my toes curl, and when it ended, she pushed me away and got up.
We both darted around, collecting our clothes and getting dressed. She went down the ladder first and I followed her.
“Thanks.”
Her eyes narrowed. “For upstairs? Or?”
“The goat.” I smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow in school?
“Sure.” She bit her bottom lip and left me standing alone in her barn.
Miranda
Henry Walsh likes me.
My back was to the wall in the mudroom, and I still smelled him around me. It shouldn’t matter if one of the hot, popular
guys liked me, but it did.
“Hey, punkin, how was your day?” My grandpa called out from the living room.
I kicked off my shoes and went to sit on the couch. “It was good.”
“Whose car was that?” He narrowed his eyes playfully.
“A kid from school.”
“Do they have a name?” He kicked back in his recliner.
“Henry Walsh.”
Grandpa’s eyes turned dark. “Is his dad an attorney?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
He shook his head. “Stay away from him.”
“What?” I sat forward. “Why?”
“That family’s no good. Money can buy a lot, but not class.”
“Grandpa?”
He slammed the footrest down and stormed from the room. “His mother is rotten to the core. And apples don’t fall far from
the tree.” He went into his bedroom and slammed the door, leaving me sitting there in confusion.
Me
Henry came over to my house
Tara
Really? That’s ballsy
Me
He needs to borrow a goat for a prank
Tara
PLEASE tell me you told him to use Stanley
Me
Umm, no. Stanley was out for blood
Tara
Well at least the goat is smart
Me
What’s that supposed to mean?
Tara
I came by and you were busy
Me
=O
Tara
What about him dating Victoria?
Me
I don’t think he’s into her
 Tara
I don’t want to see you get hurt
Me
Maybe he’ll break up with her?
Tara
And if he doesn’t?
Me
After today? I’m pretty sure he will
Tara
I swear if he treats you like shit tomorrow at school I’m chucking my shoes at him
Me
If he treats me like shit he deserves what he gets
I sat back on the couch with a sigh.
Please let him be different.
After I cooked dinner, I locked up the goats and then showered before finishing my homework. My phone didn’t ring and no
other messages came in.
Grandpa came into my room and sat on the edge of my bed. “I know I didn’t give you any more to go on.”
“Why don’t you like them?” I closed up my books and put them back into my bag.
“Before grandma had her heart attack, Margaret Walsh was at the club waiting on an order. She said some really nasty things
and had no remorse. And she was encouraging Peggy to replace her.”
“Oh.” I cringed. “That’s really shitty.”
“It was.” He nodded. “The husband’s a drunk, and who knows how the boy is turning out?”
“I don’t know, Grandpa, maybe he’s different?” I shrugged.
My grandpa’s weathered old hand moved to my face, cupping my cheek. “I hope for your sake he is.”
He got up and waited for me to snuggle into my blankets, and set my alarm before he shut the light off.
I can’t wait for tomorrow.
Thoughts of Henry made it hard to sleep. His eyes were expressive and his kisses were soft and confident.
I clutched the spare pillow on my bed, pretending it was his chest, holding it close.
My alarm jarred me from my dreams and sounded much too soon. I stretched and crawled out from under the cozy nest of
blankets to get dressed before grabbing some breakfast.
Grandpa was already up and gone for his day, so after I ate, I cleaned up the kitchen and went out to my bus-stop.
When the bus stopped and the door opened, I saw Tara in our seat, waiting for me. “I brought an extra pair of shoes, just in
case.”
We giggled and sat back for the bumpy ride. All around us, conversations were happening, and no two were the same. It
made for some entertainment on the short ride to school.
But all I could think about was Henry.

Henry
I pulled up to my house and killed my engine. Miranda’s scent clung to my nose, and I reached down to adjust my erection.
Maybe she’ll be up when I get there in the morning?
My phone rang, jarring me from my thoughts, and I reached over to see who it was. My mom’s picture killed the happiness I
felt.
“Yeah?”
“Is that how you answer a call from your mom?” Her voice had an icy edge, letting me know she was pissed off about
something.
“Hello, mother.”
“Where are you?”
“In the driveway.” I opened my car door.
“Get inside now.” She sneered and ended the call.
Great. Who knows what she’s pissed about now?
I went inside and found her in the kitchen. “What’s up?”
“Where have you been?” Her eyes were narrowed.
Reaching for the fridge, I opened it and got a can of soda out and went to sit at the table. “At a friends.”
 My dad came into the kitchen and leaned against the counter, holding a glass of scotch. “Your girlfriend was here.”
“Victoria?” I cringed. “Why?”
“Were you cavorting with that trashy farm-girl?” Mom walked over and sniffed me. “Ugh. You stink like a pig.”
“Who cares where I was?” I got up and went to leave.
“Hear me now, Henry Charles, you are to stay away from that trash.”
“She’s not trash!”
“I see.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You were there. If you had a tumble in the hay with her that’s one thing. But
she’s not in our class.”
“What?” I threw my hands up. “Humans are humans.”
“No they are not.” She sneered. “You were born to a better class, and you are expected to act as such!”
“Dad?!”
“Margaret, he can date…”
“Absolutely not!” She slammed her hands on the table. “You are dating Victoria.”
“I’m gonna break up with her.” I shrugged.
“The hell you are.”
“Margaret, really?” Dad shook his head.
“Thomas, go and drink somewhere else.” She waved him off and walked closer to me. “I will not have you wallowing in the
pigsty with trash. You know I have the means to make your life hell, so I suggest you listen.”
I hate you.
“Fine.” I snarled back at her and stormed off.
I didn’t get control of my bank account until I turned eighteen, so until then I was fucked.
Storming through the house, I went up to my room and slammed the door.
I must’ve fallen asleep at some point, because my alarm was going off for school. Getting up, I showered and got clean
clothes on before heading over to Miranda’s to get Sophie.
She left a note for me on how to load her up and the smaller goat really seemed to like me, unlike her big buddy. I offered her
an apple slice, and she followed me to my car and hopped in.
On the drive to the school, I kept feeding her apple slices, and when we arrived, I saw Victoria walking towards my car.
“What are you doing here?”
“Helping you.” She smiled. “Isn’t that what girlfriends are for?”
I felt my eyes narrow. “How did you know I was doing this?”
She gave a small shrug. “Dexter told me.”
“Whatever.” I coaxed Sophie from the car. “I wanted to talk to you, anyway.”
“Your mom and I had a long talk last night.”
“I know.”
“She wasn’t happy to hear about you and Miranda.” She tisked.
“How?” I held the rope for the goat.
“I followed you, silly boy.” She took a couple steps away from me. “You know your mom loves me.”
“Unfortunately.” I sighed.
“You’re so cute when you joke around.” She turned back to me and booped my nose as if I were a puppy. “If you break up
with me, Henry, I’ll go to Principal Miller and tell him this was all Miranda’s idea and have her suspended.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Try me.” She glared at me, and I knew she would.
I felt my nostrils flare as I leaned in and whispered. “What’ll it take for you to leave her alone?”
“Awww, trying to protect your white trash fuck buddy?” She whispered back.
“I’m serious, Vicki. What do you want?” I felt my jaw tightening.
“Ditch the bitch.” She smiled. “No hi, no in class chatting. You don’t speak to her again.”
My heart shattered into a million pieces.
“Done.”
She danced around, smiling triumphantly. “I love you.”
All I could do was nod as I fought to keep the bile from creeping up my throat.
“Come on, let’s get this smelly beast inside.” She took my hand.
We got Sophie into his office and managed to stay undetected. When Victoria’s friends arrived, she walked off with them and
I went with mine to hang out in the commons.
“Henry?” Ethan bumped me with his elbow. “You okay?”
“Not really.” My day was off to a less than stellar start and then, when I saw her, my heart dropped to my feet. “Vic’s got my
by the balls.” I grumbled.
 “Ah.” Ethan looked confused, but followed my gaze and nodded. “Guys. Henry needs interference.”
Miranda smiled at me and changed where she walked to come over to us.
“Shit.” I grumbled under my breath.
“Hey, Henry.” Her blue eyes shimmered.
I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her lips until they were numb.
Ethan turned around and looked at her. “Are you lost, little girl?”
“No. I came over here to talk to Henry.” She tried to lean around him, but Dexter moved into position.
“He’s not taking visitors at the moment.”
“Henry?” Her eyes narrowed as she pushed Dexter to the side. “What the fuck is going on?”
Wally came around and draped an arm over her shoulders. “See, we appreciate your help, but that’s where it ends, toots.”
“Did you just call me toots?”
“Yup. I did.”
She elbowed his gut, knocking the wind out of him, and then stepped away. The hurt in her eyes gutted me. “Henry. If you
don’t want to talk to me. Tell me that. Stop hiding behind your friends.”
Fake it.
“I got what I needed, and now we’ll leave you alone.” I hoped the smile on my face was believable as I bowed. “As per the
agreement.”
I knew it was when her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and her voice trembled. “I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from
the tree.”
I’m an asshole.
“There you are!” Victoria ran over to me.
I clapped my hands and yelled. “Let’s go find our classes and get this day started!”
With my arm around Victoria, I walked her to her first class of the day. She insisted on a kiss and then smiled at Miranda,
who stood with her friends outside the class.
“Vicki.” I tilted my head and gave her a glare.
“Sorry.” She pouted. “I just wanted her to know she lost.”
“You know what’s sad, Victoria?” Edie walked over. “You were never competition for Miranda.”
“No. You weren’t.” Vivian smiled.
“Aw, that’s sweet.” Victoria beamed.
“Yeah. She was always better than you.” Vivian winked and walked off with Edie.
Victoria’s face screwed up in an ugly look. “That bitch.”
“Hey. Let it go.” I tried reminding her, while I held in my laugh.
“Kiss me, again.”
I gave her another peck and walked off to my class.
The chatter in the halls was about the mysterious goat in school. While I should’ve been happy that the prank worked, I felt
numb.
I tried looking for Miranda throughout the day and couldn’t find her anywhere. She wasn’t in gym and Dexter said she wasn’t
in English either.
Towards the end of the school day, everyone seemed pumped for the end of school bash. Ethan and I were walking to our
lockers before heading to the parking lot and the closer we got to mine, we both noticed a foul odor.
“Ugh. What is that?” Ethan covered his nose.
“Beats me.” I pulled my shirt up to cover mine.
Someone taped a card on the outside of my locker. Reaching out, Ethan pulled it off and opened it while I spun the lock and
put in the combination.
“All it says is ‘since you lost yours’.”
“What?” I took it from him and didn’t recognize the writing.
Shrugging, I opened my locker and heard Ethan bust up laughing.
Hanging from the coat hook against my letterman’s jacket were a string of pig testicles.
Miranda
The bus turned into the parking lot and as the door opened, I couldn’t wait to get off the bus and get inside.
After someone urinated in my locker yesterday, I decided to switch to Edie’s. I rushed down the hall on the first floor,
following the numbers. My heart sank when I noticed Victoria and her crew near my new spot.
“Excuse me.” I looked at Grace. “I need to get to my locker.”
“No. Your locker is by Bubba’s.” She smiled and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Well, it was until someone peed in it.” I pointed behind her.
“Ew, why would they put you near us?” Victoria stepped up beside Grace. “This is an animal free zone.”
“Oh, well, I didn’t know that since you four heifers were here.”
“Did she just insult us?” Mariah’s face scrunched up in confusion.
Rolling my eyes back in my head, I pushed through them and tried her combination, then popped the locker open.
“You think you’re hot shit, but your time is coming.” Victoria sneered in my ear.
I closed the door after I hung up my backpack and left the bitch brigade behind as I went to find Tara. Walking through the
hall, I dodged the other students and headed for the commons. It was easier to walk through here and go up the other set of
stairs than go up and wander around.
Looking around the faces, I saw Henry leaning against the wall by a bench and I felt the smile spread across my face. Veering
off to the right, I walked over to where he stood with his friends.
“Hey, Henry.”
Ethan turned around and looked at me. “Are you lost, little girl?”
“No. I came over here to talk to Henry.” I tried to lean around him, but Dexter stood in the way.
“He’s not taking visitors at the moment.” Dexter winked at me.
“Henry?” I narrowed my eyes and pushed Dexter to the side. “What the fuck is going on?”
Wally came around and draped an arm over my shoulders. “See, we appreciate your help, but that’s where it ends, toots.”
“Did you just call me toots?”
“Yup. I did.”
I threw my elbow back into his gut, knocking the wind out of him, and then stepped away. “Henry. If you don’t want to talk to
me. Tell me that. Stop hiding behind your friends.”
He stepped forward, and a cruel smile crept along his face. “I got what I needed, and now we’ll leave you alone.”
Victoria’s words mockingly floated through my head.
Your time is coming.
My heart fell to my feet, and I shook my head. “I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry. Nor would he see me run away. I strolled away with my head up
and went to find my friends.
Edie, Elena, Vivi, and Tara were standing outside our first period Spanish class. As I walked over to join them, I saw Tara’s
eyes narrow.
“What did that asshat do?”
I shook my head, and Edie stepped closer, hugging me. “I’m sorry, Miranda.”
We went inside the classroom and took our seats in the back of the room and when the bitch brigade walked in, Victoria
smiled and flipped me off.
The bell rang and Senora Santos launched into the lesson when the PA crackled in the classroom.
“Mrs. Santos, we need Miranda in the office.”
She turned to me and motioned to the door. “Vámonos.”
 I nodded and slid from my desk, leaving the class with all eyes on me. The walk to the office gave me time to think about
what a colossal jackass Henry Walsh was.
Walking into the office, the secretary gave me a look that told me I wasn’t here for something good.
Jolynn sat a small desk working on schoolwork and when our eyes met, she cringed and mouthed “Sorry.”
“Miss Walker.” Principal Miller’s voice boomed through the office. “Please step inside.” He stood by his open door.
The first thing I noticed when I entered was the distinct smell of ammonia that slapped me, and then I saw Sophie chewing on
a book.
“Oh, no.” My heart sank.
“Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.”
“I’m gonna say you and my visitor know each other.”
My head nodded, and guilt flooded through my body. I didn’t think about the damage she could do when Henry asked me to
help him.
And my dumb ass believed him when he said he would make sure she was safe and wouldn’t get in trouble.
The rope they used to secure her looked like jute and she easily ate through that. She knocked over the coat stand and I saw a
pile of poop on the principal’s jackets. She pulled books off from various places and they all had chunks missing.
Sophie destroyed his office.
“I’m disappointed, Miranda.” His voice sounded sad.
My gaze moved from the destruction to him. I opened my mouth to say something, but no words came out as tears fell down
my cheeks.
“If you tell me who was behind this prank, it’ll be better for you.”
“What is the punishment?” I used the back of my hand to wipe my tears.
“They won’t be graduating with their class.” He jumped as Sophie bumped his leg.
I should rat him out. Let him and his friends go down. Screw him for breaking my heart.
“She’s mine.” I wiped my nose on my sleeve.
I really thought he cared and liked me. Because I really liked him.
“The goat needs to go home.” He sighed. “And I have to call your grandpa.”
“I understand.” My body rocked with a sob.
Why couldn’t I rat him out? Oh. Yeah. Because I’m an idiot.
“I’m giving you a one day out-of-school suspension. Followed by a week in school suspension. And during that week you
will help repair the damage. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” I sniffled.
“I’m taking into consideration you’ve never been in trouble.” He pointed to Sophie. “We’ll see only you back on Monday.”
He opened the door and Jolynn was standing there, ready to knock. “Richard can give you and Sophie a ride home.”
“Thank you.” I shook my head as I grabbed the small piece of rope and led my goat from the room.
Behind me I heard Mr. Miller. “Mr. Parks, drive safe and hurry back.”
“Yes, sir.” He waved to Jo as we left the office. “Do you need to get anything?”
“Yeah.” I handed him the rope. “Can you take her?”
“I can. Will she stay in the bed of my truck?”
I nodded. “She likes going for rides.”
“Good deal. I’ll pull up to the music hall door.”
“Thanks, Richard.”
“Don’t sweat it.” He bumped me with his elbow, then led Sophie across the commons to the music hall.
Jogging to the stairs, I ran up to my classroom and slipped in quietly to gather my books and backpack.
“What happened?” Tara whispered.
“I got suspended.” I lifted my lip in a partial snarl.
“How did they know it was your goat?” She looked at me in confusion.
Victoria giggled, making me turn my head to see her. “Sucks to be you, farm-girl.”
“Miss Walker?” Senora Santos crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t think being a disruption will help right now. Do
you?”
“No, ma’am.” I turned around and left the room.

Henry
The goat was the talk of the school. Sitting at the lunch table, my friends were chattering about the end of the school and the
big party our class would be throwing.
I didn’t care about that.
All I wanted was to see Miranda and make sure she was okay.
“Hey there, lover-boy.” Victoria sat beside me. “Miss me?”
“As much as I miss a boil.” I deadpanned.
She glared at me and linked our hands together. “Henry, I’m gonna need you to show me some happy love and attention.”
I sighed and took a drink of my water. “Why?”
“Here’s how this is going to work.” She leaned in. “The happier I am, the less likely I’ll make her life hell.”
“Why are you doing this?” Defeat tainted my voice.
“Because I love you and want to be with you.” She cracked open her diet soda.
“This isn’t love. This is blackmail.” I growled.
“Tomato. Tah-mah-toe.” She shrugged. “Henry, face it. We were always meant to be together. Our moms have been planning
our wedding since we were infants.”
“That doesn’t make it right.” I pulled my hand back and stood up to leave and she pulled her phone out, making a call.
“Mom, he’s being difficult, especially about the farm trash.”
I sat back down in defeat. “I’ll be good.”
“Oh, He understands now.” She bounced. “Bye mummy!”
Ethan
what’s going on?
Me
V promised she’d leave M alone if I wouldn’t see her anymore and now she’s threatening me if I don’t make
her happy
Ethan
Why would you make a deal with the devil?
Me
I didn’t think of it that way I just wanted to protect M she doesn’t deserve the crap V dishes
Ethan
You in love with her?
Me
V? Hell no!
A French fry flew over the table and bounced off my head.
Ethan
dipshit. M?
I lifted my head and looked over at my friend. Ethan tilted his head and shook it as he sent me another message.
Looking down at my phone, his message popped up and I let it fall from my hands, banging my head on the table.
Ethan
you’re fucked
I kicked my phone over where I could pick it back up, and then I gave Victoria a kiss on her cheek. “I need to pee.”
“Okay, baby.” She beamed up at me and gave me a little finger wave.
My strides were long as I almost sprinted to the gym locker room. I needed to get away from her and think.
There had to be a way out.
This is something I needed my dad for. I needed advice. He’s a lawyer and would know a way out. That’s what they do.
And if nothing else, he could reason with Victoria’s dad.
I slammed the door open as I ran in, dropping my backpack and running to the toilet to vomit. Heave after heave wracked my
body, and I felt tears mixing with the beads of sweat.
“Jesus!” Richard’s voice came from behind me. “I got you a bottle of water and one of lemon-lime.”
I blindly reached up and flushed the toilet, sitting back against the wall. He handed me the open bottle of water and then went
to the sink to wet some cloth, bringing that back to me.
He sat down quietly and just having him there helped. I didn’t feel so alone.
“I don’t know what to do.” I leaned my head back against the wall.
“What’s she got on you?”
“As long as we’re together and I stay away from Miranda, she’ll leave her alone.”
Richard barked out a laugh. “No, she won’t.”
I lifted my head and looked at him. “What do you mean?”
“She’s going to make her life hell until school’s out.” He half shrugged. “It isn’t going to matter what you do. Think about it,
man. Do any of her actions make you believe she’ll leave her alone?”
I shook my head. “No. But I think she’ll back off if I do what she wants.”
“I get it.” He shrugged. “We only have a couple weeks left of school.”
“Exactly. I can suck up being Vicki’s toy until graduation. I’ll break things off at the party, where I know she’ll be too drunk
to care.”
“Solid plan, bro.” He reached out, and I clapped my hand with his as we stood up together.
“Thanks.”
Miranda
After Richard dropped me and Sophie off, I got my chores done and sat at the table working on my schoolwork while
waiting for Grandpa to come home. I didn’t have to wait long; the dogs went nuts hearing his truck, and I braced myself for the
lecture.
“Miranda Rose Walker.” He growled my name.
“Yes, sir.” I sighed, looking up from the table.
“What the hell were you thinking, taking the goat to the school? First of all, that is traumatic for her to be taken from her
home and locked in a room on a small piece of rope. Second, you know they eat everything! Why? Why would you risk that?”
“It was just a prank.” I felt my bottom lip tremble.
Grandpa’s eyes narrowed. “That you came up with?”
I couldn’t lie to him, but I didn’t want to cause any more problems.
“Miranda.” He stepped closer to the table.
“No.” I let the tears fall. “Grandpa, I don’t want any more trouble. I’ll take the punishment since I was the dumb one who
said okay.”
He moved to the table and sat across from me. “Henry Walsh is behind this?”
My head bobbed as I shook it. “I don’t care.”
“Well, I do.” He slammed his fist on the table. “I may be an old man, but I know what he came by for.” He leaned over the
table. “And I know damn well that you wouldn’t have done anything unless you thought there were feelings.”
“I was wrong.” Snot dripped from my nose as my tears ramped up to a full sob. “He was so nice, and flirty, and made me
feel …” I waved my arms around. “And he’s just a bastard like the rest of them!”
My grandpa got up and came over to me, wrapping his arms around me. “Honey. Not all boys are jerks. But until you find out
who is good and who isn’t, you should protect yourself.”
“Grandpa, he wah … was so … so … so.” I hiccuped.
His large hand stroked the back of my head. “I know.”
I don’t know how long I sobbed, but eventually I took a deep breath and reached for a napkin to blow my nose.
“If they find out it was him, they’ll hold him back from graduating.” I looked up at Grandpa. “The sooner he graduates, the
sooner he’s out of Port Stella.”
He let out a sigh. “Fine. But I am having a talk with his father.”
“Grandpa!”
“Miranda.” He glowered down at me. “Someone needs to hold him accountable.”
Knowing there wasn’t a thing I could do to change his mind, I turned back to my work. He pressed a kiss to the top of my
head and went to the door.
“It goes without saying, you’re grounded.”
“I know.”
He nodded and left the house.
My phone pinged in my backpack, and I got it out to see a message from Henry.
Henry
M?You there?
Asshole.
I deleted the messages and blocked his number, then responded to Tara.
Tara
Henry’s been looking for you
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
 I had not yet taken a meal at the farm-house, for I had arrived that
day after breakfast, and had gone out to the camp soon afterward.
When supper-time came—and long before in fact—I was very
hungry, having had but a lunch in the woods. And so I ate bravely of
the good things that were so bountifully spread upon the table. But
when I came to drink my tea, which was sweetened with maple-
sugar, I did not like it. And the more I drank the less I cared to own a
sugar-maple grove, and brighter and brighter became the visions of
the grocery store, with its savory smells, and its great bins of sugar
from the sugar-canes of Louisiana and Cuba.
When supper was over I had not finished my cup of tea, but I had
changed my mind completely about the desirableness of owning a
sugar-maple grove, and making one’s own sugar.
 SILVER-PLATING.

The precious metals are gold, silver, and platinum. They are so
called because they are rare and costly. Platinum is the most rare,
and is used only to a very moderate extent. Gold is more plentiful;
and silver much more abundant, though sufficiently rare to be
considered a precious metal.

BATTERY FOR SILVER-PLATING.

We do not often hear of articles of table service of solid gold,
though solid silver is comparatively common. But, with the help of
electricity, skilled workmen are able to cover the cheaper metals with
one or more coatings of gold or silver, and the articles thus treated,
look like solid gold or silver.
 A very small quantity of the precious metals will plate a large
number of articles; but even with this small amount of gold, the gold-
plated substances are too costly to be in general use; though it is
quite common to line silver-plated articles with a thin plate of gold.
Exceedingly beautiful things are made of silver-plated ware, for
table service especially, but it is also much used for ornaments, and
even statues and statuettes are made of it, as well as a great variety
of useful things.
As you are in the habit of seeing so many silver-plated articles I
think you will be interested if I tell you, briefly, how the plating is
done. But you will understand my description better if you know
something about the galvanic battery, and the laws which govern its
action, and if you have not studied this matter, any one of your
acquaintance who possesses an electrical machine, will no doubt
take pleasure in explaining it to you.
I am supposing you did not know before that the same agent
which causes the lightning to flash from the clouds, puts the silver on
your tea-spoons.
After the article to be silver-plated has been formed out of some
cheap metal, or a metallic composition, it is thoroughly cleansed; for
there must not be the very slightest taint of greasiness or dirt upon
the surface. The method of cleaning depends upon the metal; some
are burned in the fire, and some are purified with alkalies. They are
next washed in acids, then scoured with sand or pumice stone, and
washed, and brushed. They are now clean, and are dried in sawdust
to avoid handling and soiling.
All of these operations have to be carefully done. They are
generally performed by women.
They are then taken to the gilder to receive their deposit of metal,
whether zinc, copper, gold, or silver.
Our articles, you know, are to be silver-plated. They are therefore
placed in a fluid chemical mixture contained in a box of wood,
stoneware, or some other non-metallic substance, which is called the
bath.
 Through the liquid contained in this bath, the electrical current is
passed in this way. The wires of a galvanic battery are connected
with two metal rods lying across the box. The things to be plated are
hung by metal hooks to one of these rods—which communicates
with the negative pole of the battery. To the other rod, which
communicates with the positive pole of the battery, is hung a piece of
silver. This completes the circuit, and the electrical fluid passes from
pole to pole, going from the battery into the rods, and through the
metallic hooks, and articles hung upon them, into the liquid. The
silver on the positive side is dissolved by the electricity, and
deposited in a thin layer upon the articles on the negative side.
It requires a perfect knowledge of the business to know just how to
manage all these matters, so that the deposit shall leave an even
surface. There are many little secrets, known only to manufacturers,
which enable them to increase the beauty of the plating.
But the articles are not ready for use as soon as plated. A good
deal is to be done to them in the way of brushing, polishing, and
burnishing. And then they often have to be ornamented in plain
designs, or with garlands of flowers, or sprays of leaves. Sometimes
figures of men or animals are moulded upon them. Occasionally, for
splendid objects of art, the leaves and flowers are colored their
natural tints.
 VERY ANCIENT ANIMALS.

If you boys never went on a “possum hunt” you have missed a

good deal of fun. I really cannot tell which enjoys this hunt the most,
men, or boys, or dogs. I think we can guess pretty well which enjoys
it least—the opossum. If he gets safely off, though, as he does very
often, I have no doubt he enjoys thinking over the chase, and laughs
to himself at the way he outwitted dogs and men; for, of course, he
would put the dogs first, as being of the greater importance in his
eyes.

ANTEDILUVIAN OPOSSUM.
Moonlight nights are the times to hunt opossums. Where these
animals go in the day-time I am sure I don’t know, but they roll
themselves up in a ball, and sleep soundly somewhere, entirely out
of the way of everybody. But, at night, they are awake and active,
and look up their food.
And then it is that we look them up for food; and for the fun of the
hunt. More for the fun, I am afraid, than the food; for we get plenty to
eat without going after wild animals; whereas the poor opossum
looks for his food because he is really hungry.
We start off, on some fine moonlight night, a party of men and
boys. We are in high spirits, and laugh and talk, and have a good
time. The dogs are in high spirits too, and run and frisk gaily about.
But when we approach the woods we grow quiet and begin to look
around expectantly. The dogs understand perfectly what business
we are upon, and know that we rely upon them to “tree” the game.
So they trot soberly on before us, turning to the right or left as their
scent leads them.
Presently they come upon an opossum. The animal starts off on a
fast run. Then follows a mad stampede of dogs, boys and men. No
need now to keep quiet. We crash through bushes and briers. Finally
the opossum, seeing that the dogs are gaining upon him, takes
refuge in a tree. Up he goes, like a flash, to the very topmost
branches, curls his tail and legs around a limb, tucks his head under
the fur of his breast, hangs limp, and pretends to be dead.
He thinks now he is safe, but we know we have him sure. For we
have axes with us, and we cut down the tree. The opossum makes
no effort to get away while the noise of cutting and the shaking of the
tree is going on. And when the tree comes down, Mr. “Possum” is
ours.
His flesh tastes like young pig, only more tender and delicate.
But, you will say, this picture is not like our opossums. It does not
seem very much like one at first sight, but, on looking closer, you will
see several points of resemblance. Our opossum carries its young in
a pouch sometimes, and sometimes on its back, and this one, you
see, has its three cunning little young ones on its back, with their
dear little tails curled lovingly around their mother’s big tail. It has a
long prehensile tail, and long flexible feet, so that it can fasten itself
to the branches of trees just as ours do. Its fur is pretty much the
same. In some respects it is not like ours.

LABYRINTHODON.
There are no opossums now just like this one. This species lived
before the flood; and is, therefore, antediluvian. The animal in the
picture was never hunted by men and dogs, because neither men
nor dogs existed in his days. I think it should make us feel a little
ashamed, when we are chasing opossums, to think that their
ancestors had possession of the world before ours.
If men had lived in those days they would have had some queer
game. How would you like to hunt a Labyrinthodon?
This remarkable beast lived about the same time as the
antediluvian opossum. Not a very agreeable acquaintance to meet
face to face. A glance at his teeth would be sufficient to make one’s
hair stand on end. How awful he must have looked with his mouth
open! I think he would have made but two mouthfuls of the Cardiff
giant if he had had a bite at him before he turned into stone.

ANOPLOTHERIUM.
Do you notice the strange way his teeth are placed, working in and
out of each other? This suggests a labyrinth, and hence his name,
Labyrinthodon.
You may not recognise him as a toad, but such he was, and was
as big as an ox.
So the toad in the fable, which, you remember, attempted to swell
himself to the size of an ox, and came to grief thereby, was only
trying to make himself such as his forefathers had been.
The opossum was about the best-looking animal on the earth in
those days. The rest were nearly all frightful monsters. There was
the Ichthyosaurus, a great fish-lizard, thirty feet long, and ten times
more dreadful than the present crocodiles. Then there was the
Plesiosaurus, which had the body and feet of a turtle, only many
times larger, a short stumpy tail, and a neck like a serpent, thirty feet
long. And the Pterodactyls, like huge bats, with birds’ heads, and
very long bills.
After this race of animals died off there appeared upon the earth a
better-looking set. But these, too, all died long before the deluge,
and we have none of them now.
One of these, the Anoplotherium, is supposed to have been
something like our otter, but it was much larger; and I don’t think,
myself from the pictures we have of him, that the likeness is very
strong.
 ITURIM, AND HIS FORTUNES.

The Antis Indians live in the mountainous districts of Peru. They

have a proverb: “From happiness to misfortune is only a flea-leap.”
Iturim proved the truth of this very early in life. He was a young
Antis who had been so successful in his various journeys to the
cities on the coast, where he sold apes and birds, that he was able
to build and furnish a fine house; to adorn his person bravely; and to
take a wife.
This lucky fellow did not even have to make a clearing in the
woods for his house. He found in the forest, just in the right place, an
open space, containing only a small grove of palms. These graceful
trees would make a pleasant shade for his dwelling, and the forest
was sufficiently distant not to make it close and hot.
If this clearing had been upon the bank of the river it would not
have answered his purpose. For the Antis always make the clearings
for their dwellings at a little distance from a water-course, taking care
to have a thick growth between them and a river. Otherwise Indians
who are not friendly to them would see the houses while paddling by
in their canoes, and seize upon the first opportunity to steal
everything they contained.
Iturim’s house, or ajoupa, as he called it, was very large, because
he owned so much property. Stakes were driven into the ground for
supports to a long, sloping roof, thatched with straw. The sides were
made of mud, hardened in the sun. He had a large assortment of
pots, pans, kettles, knives, &c., that he had brought up from the
coast from time to time. He made a net-work of strong vine stalks
near the roof, on which to hang provisions. Otherwise the ants which
were sure to invade the premises would make sad havoc with the
eatables. On the earthen floor he spread beautifully prepared tapir
skins. There was not so handsome a residence in all the Antis
region.
 THE PALM GROVE.
For his personal adornment, he had tattooed his face with three
dotted blue lines across each cheek, and a purple star in his
forehead. He dressed partly in the European style, having learned
this on the coast. His trowsers were of blue cotton, and his jacket of
red cotton; on state occasions, he wore a long scarf cloak of white
cotton about him, and put a conical cap on his head. I must not
forget what he considered the most elegant part of his toilette—a
small plate of highly polished silver, which hung from his nose. He
daubed patches of red and black paint on his face, and thus attired,
he went for his wife. She was slightly tattooed on her forehead and
chin in blue and red plaids. Usually she was dressed in a long white
sacque, but, on this occasion she wore a full skirt of white with a gay
scarf wound around her shoulders. Her ornaments were colored
seeds, and tapirs’ claws. She also put on a conical cap that Iturim
had given her, ignorant of the fact that it was not a proper head-
dress for a woman.
Miniqui, the bride, lived on the opposite side of the river from the
palm grove; and, after the wedding feast, Iturim conducted her to her
new home.
They crossed the river on a rude suspension bridge, made of
osiers; and you may be sure Miniqui was pleased with the large,
sumptuously furnished house she found in the palm grove. They
were welcomed by a large pet ape, named Simuco. He was a very
wise creature, and devotedly attached to his master.
For a short time all three lived together in the happiest manner.
Iturim hunted and fished; Miniqui did the housework; and Simuco
amused them both with his funny tricks.
But a tribe of Antis came up from the lower river, and challenged
the Upper Antis to a canoe race. The elderly men were in favor of
declining the challenge; but the younger ones, at the head of whom
was Iturim, were eager for the contest; and so it was determined
upon.
 CROSSING THE SWING-BRIDGE OF OSIERS.

The rivers in the Antis country are mountain torrents. Even in the
places where the water seems to flow smoothly there are strong
under-currents that call for a great degree of skill in navigation. And
every few miles, the rivers dash over rocks, and form dangerous
rapids. The Indians are very expert in managing their canoes in this
kind of boating, which is called “shooting the rapids;” but with all their
skill and practice, they cannot help fatal accidents occurring quite
frequently. The mere upsetting of a boat is nothing, for the Antis is
almost as much at home in the water as on the land; but it is
impossible to swim in the whirling waters of the rapids, and the
danger consists in being dashed against the rocks, or violently
sucked under the waves.
The prize, to be given to the man who should first reach the goal in
this race was one of those ingenious pocket knives that contain a
number of tools in a small compass.
 These savages had never seen anything like it until now when one
was displayed; and to their ambition to distinguish themselves, was
added a keen desire to possess this treasure.
The race was three miles long, and there were two rapids to
“shoot.” The second one was very dangerous, and was full of jagged
rocks. At some distance below this rapid the women and children of
the two tribes assembled to watch the boats rush over the fall, and to
see them come up to the goal. With them were the few men who did
not join in the sport. There were eight canoes, with three men in
each. One of these men was the leader; and it was his business to
guide the boat with a paddle safely and swiftly through the rapids.
These eight leaders were the candidates for the prize. The one
whose boat first touched the beach at Toucan Point was to have the
knife. It was the duty of the other men to row the boats until they
approached the rapids. It seems to me that these men were also
entitled to a prize; for, of course, the boats that first reached the
rapids were most likely to win; and on the calm stretches of the river
everything depended upon the skill of the rowers. But the Antis have
their own rules for boat racing.
It was a pretty sight to see the eight light, gracefully-pointed
canoes abreast, at the start. But nobody was there to witness it,
unless we allow Simuco, the monkey, to be a person. He sat upon
the bank, and gravely watched the scene. What he thought of it I
don’t know, but he perfectly understood that he was not to be of the
party. He made no attempt to enter any of the boats, but as soon as
the signal was given, and the canoes started off, he darted off also,
running swiftly along the shore, or scrambling over rocks.
Where the boats started the river widened into a sort of lake, but it
soon became too narrow for the boats to keep abreast. The Indians
knew this, but they knew that they would not long keep abreast in
any case. Before the first mile was passed the boats were much
scattered. Four canoes went over the first rapid side by side. Two of
them were so close that they came near crashing together, and their
leaders yelled and scolded at each other furiously. One of these was
Iturim, and the other a young man of the lower Antis, Altisquo. But
the four canoes went over together, and swept into the calmer water
with their bows in a straight line with each other.
During the next mile and a half of quiet water two of these canoes
fell back, and were passed by some that had come over the rapid
more slowly. The rowers of Iturim and Altisquo kept an even stroke
with their oars. Occasionally a boat would pass them, but would
soon give out, and the two canoes were still side by side when the
last, and most dangerous rapid came in sight.
The rowers drew in their oars. Their task was done. Iturim and
Altisquo stood each in the stern of his boat, and dexterously guided
their frail crafts among the black rocks, turning aside from the
whirling eddies that threatened to suck them in. Each was anxious to
be the first to reach the narrowest and most perilous part of the
voyage.

THE BOAT RACE.

 Iturim shot into this vortex of waters more than a boat’s length
ahead of Altisquo. It was impossible now for the latter to pass him.
The prize was virtually won. Iturim was full of joy, though the spray
from the waves wet him from head to foot, and his canoe often
grated against the rocks, or was tossed from side to side.
Altisquo saw that the swift rush of waters would now bear his rival
over the fall before he could hope to overtake him; and his heart was
filled with rage and hate. Suddenly an opportunity presented itself to
him. His quick eye saw that he had one chance more. It was a
wicked chance, but that did not matter to him. To the left of Iturim’s
boat was a whirlpool. The waters swirled furiously around a rock,
throwing up blinding sheets of spray. By a sudden movement
Altisquo turned the stern of his boat around at the risk of breaking it
against the rocks. This brought him into swift collision with the stern
of Iturim’s boat, and turned the latter violently around towards the
whirlpool, while his own canoe swung into the current, and rushed
over the fall, stern foremost. It spun around two or three times after
this fearful leap, then darted off bow foremost, and Altisquo was the
first man who beached his boat at Toucan Point.
Fortunately Iturim’s boat was not quite as near the whirlpool as
Altisquo supposed, and did not get drawn into it, as he had hoped.
The shock it received sent it violently over the fall, dashing it against
a rock, where it was broken to pieces, and the two rowers tumbled
out. But they were in comparatively still water, and succeeded in
swimming to the shore.
But, as Iturim was standing in the stern when the collision took
place, he was thrown out of the boat with such violence that he fell
into the whirlpool. He clutched fast hold of a projecting rock, but the
waters were too strong for him. He could not drag himself out by the
slippery rocks, and he would certainly have been sucked under and
drowned, but for Simuco. The ape had reached the lower rapid
before the boats, and was watching the scene with a lively interest
when the fatal collision occurred. He comprehended at once his
master’s situation, and, springing quickly from rock to rock, seized
Iturim by the hair, and held him with so firm a grip that he was
enabled with some difficulty to scramble upon the rock, and was
taken off by a boat.
The leaders, who were steering the two boats not far behind
Altisquo, were too much occupied in making their own way through
the dangerous pass to observe closely what had been done. But the
four rowers of these canoes were not deceived by Altisquo’s quick
movements. They saw very clearly how unfairly he had won the
race, and the spectators suspected foul play from what they could
observe of his manœuvres. After hearing all the testimony, the
judges awarded the prize to Iturim. He had, virtually, won the race
before the accident, and, as this was the result of a malicious
assault, and not brought about by his own carelessness, it was
decreed that the marvelous tool-knife should be his.
But alas for Iturim’s fine clothes! He had arrayed himself in his
very best European costume in order to show off before the
strangers, and now he was clad in rags. Simuco had snatched the
high-pointed cap from the waves, and put it again on his master’s
head, but its ambitious peak hung down, limp and forlorn. Iturim was
rather crestfallen, at first, at the ridiculous figure he cut. He certainly
did not look like a hero. But the knife consoled him, and he was in a
jolly humor when he walked home with his prize in his pocket, and
his faithful ape perched upon his shoulder.
This was at the end of the day, after a great feast in honor of his
victory, in which both tribes of Antis had joined. The Lower Antis had
bidden farewell, however, some time before, and were now on their
way back to their own country.
Miniqui had left the river with the women and children, and had
gone home before Iturim. What was his surprise then when he met
her in the woods some distance from the house. She came flying
towards him, with her arms outstretched, and shrieking as she ran.
“Everything is gone!” she cried, as soon as she saw Iturim.
“What has happened?” he asked. “I don’t know,” said Miniqui, “but
it is all gone—house and all! When I got home there was nothing
there!”
 Iturim ran to his grove at his best speed. His house had been torn
to pieces, the stakes broken up, and the straw trampled in the mud.
All his possessions, which he had been collecting for so many years,
his pots, pans, baskets, beads, silver ornaments, clothes, tapir skins,
everything had been taken away. The thieves had not left him so
much as an old shoe.
He knew very well who had done it. Altisquo and his two rowers
had been missed from the feast at an early hour, and it was
supposed that they were too angry to remain, and had returned
quietly home; and everybody was glad they had gone. But instead of
that, they had been executing this vengeance upon their successful
rival.
Iturim was now the poorest man in the Antis tribe, and only a few
hours before he had been the richest.
“Only a flea-leap from happiness to misfortune,” he muttered.
You might suppose that this mean and shameful deed of Altisquo
would arouse the whole tribe of the Upper Antis to make war upon
the Lower Antis. That would have been the case with many Indian
tribes. In civilized communities the friends of Iturim would have
demanded that Altisquo should be tried, and properly punished. But
the Antis did neither of these things. I am sorry to say that theft is so
common among them, that robbing a house is considered rather a
fine thing to do, provided, of course, that the house robbed is not
one’s own. If an Antis, on returning home, finds his things have been
stolen, he says nothing, but watches his chance to make good his
loss by stealing from any house belonging to another Antis tribe.
So Altisquo was not punished at that time for his theft, and he felt
that he had compensated himself for the loss of the prize.
 A NEW VENTURE FOR FORTUNE.

Iturim and Miniqui found shelter in her father’s house until they
should be able to have another house of their own. Iturim set at once
to work snaring birds, and catching monkeys, that he might take
them down the river and sell them at a large settlement, whence they
would be carried over the mountains to the coast. This was a
profitable business, provided he was able to get his birds and
monkeys there safely.
When he had got together some twenty birds, and three or four
monkeys, he made up his mind it was time for him to start upon his
journey, and he considered what would be the best way to carry his
menagerie. He hit upon the brilliant idea of building a raft, and taking
them down the river in this way.
It seemed as if Iturim was again to be lucky in his ventures after
fortune, for just as he had everything prepared to start, two English
travelers arrived in the Antis country, and were glad enough to make
a bargain with Iturim for a passage down the river for their baggage.
He, on his part, was very glad to take the cargo, for there were a
great many bundles and packages, and the sum paid him was as
much as he expected to make from the sale of his animals.
He embarked at a place several miles below the Antis settlements,
and, from that point, had a river clear of rapids, and made a safe and
prosperous voyage. He had no difficulty in disposing of his birds and
monkeys, and the proceeds of this sale, with the money the two
Englishmen paid him, enabled him to load his raft with a variety of
cooking utensils and other things for his house, and he returned
safely to Miniqui with all the merchandise.
So, when the new house was built under the palms, it was almost
as richly furnished as the first one had been, and Iturim came to the
conclusion that he had again made his fortune. And he was right. He
had all he wanted, and that is a fortune, always.